Bristlenose pleco
Ancistrus sp.
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 80 L
- Maximum size
- 13 cm
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
- pH
- 6–7.8
- Diet
- Herbivore
Care at a glance
The ancistrus, or bristlenose, is the sensible choice for anyone wanting an algae eater: unlike the well-known common pleco it stays compact enough for an ordinary living-room tank. Males are unmistakable thanks to the bushy growths on their snout.
It is a twilight and night creature that likes to spend the day tucked under driftwood or in a cave. Make sure there is real wood in the tank: it rasps off fibres that its digestion needs. Supplement algae with vegetable tablets and greens, because a tank alone rarely produces enough food.
Good to know
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.