Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus
Check Bristlenose PlecoThe Bristlenose Pleco is one of the best algae-eating fish for the home aquarium, staying much smaller than the common pleco at around 12-15 cm. Males develop distinctive fleshy bristle-like tentacles on the snout as they mature. They are nocturnal by nature but will graze on driftwood and algae throughout the day in a dimly lit, well-planted aquarium.
Tank Size
80 liters
Temperament
Peaceful
Diet
Herbivore/Omnivore — algae, driftwood, algae wafers, blanched vegetables
Lifespan
5-10 years
Water Temp
20-27°C
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Recommended Products
Everything you need to create the perfect tank for your Bristlenose Pleco.
Accessories
Seachem Prime Water Conditioner
Essential for Bristlenose Plecos, which are scaleless and absorb dissolved toxins through their skin. Prime removes chlorine and temporarily detoxifies ammonia on every water change, protecting these hardy but sensitive fish.
Filters
Fluval AquaClear 30 Power Filter
A reliable multi-stage HOB filter ideal for tanks housing a Bristlenose Pleco. Plecos produce significantly more waste than similarly sized fish — the AquaClear 30's large filter media volume handles the bioload without constant maintenance.
Food
Hikari Algae Wafers
Spirulina-enriched wafers forming the foundation of a healthy diet for Bristlenose Plecos. Drop one large wafer near the pleco's favorite spot after lights out — they are most active at night and will rasp away at the wafer throughout the evening.
Hikari Tropical Sinking Wafers
Sinking wafers that supplement the algae diet of Bristlenose Plecos and provide adequate protein. Especially useful in newer tanks where algae is not yet established. Delivers food directly to the substrate where Plecos spend most of their time.