Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus · family Loricariidae
Also: Bushynose Catfish, Ancistrus cirrhosus
Parameters
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 4–15 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 80 L
- Maximum size
- up to 12 cm
- Group size
- min 1, ideal 2
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
Description
Growing to a manageable 10–12 cm, the Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus) is the ideal compact replacement for the giant Common Pleco (Pterygoplichthys). Hardy, peaceful, and tireless at scraping green algae off glass and hardscape.
Care
Provide an 80 L+ aquarium (22–27 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 4–15) with cave hides and mandatory natural driftwood (mangrove, mopani, or spider wood)—Ancistrus rasp wood fibers for cellulose essential to their gut digestion.
Feeding
Feed sinking algae/wood wafers after lights-out, supplemented twice a week with blanched zucchini, cucumber slices, shelled peas, or spinach.
Compatibility
Compatibility data not yet available.
FAQ
- Why does a Bristlenose Pleco need natural driftwood?
- Bristlenose plecos rasp microscopic wood fibers for cellulose and lignin, which their gut bacteria require for proper digestion and to prevent fatal bloat.
- Why choose Ancistrus cirrhosus over a Common Pleco?
- Ancistrus stays compact at 10–12 cm and thrives in an 80 L tank, whereas Common Plecos grow over 45 cm and wreck planted tanks.
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- FishBase: Ancistrus cirrhosus · FishBase · 2026-05-22
- Seriously Fish: Ancistrus cirrhosus · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22