All fish / Loricariidae

Bristlenose pleco

Ancistrus cirrhosus

Also known as bristlenose, bn pleco, albino bristlenose, 胡子异形

Small sucker-mouth catfish that stays far smaller than the common pleco. Males grow fleshy bristles on the snout.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

13 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

One male per tank

Diet

Herbivore: algae wafers, courgette; needs driftwood

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon basin

Breeding

The male guards eggs in a cave until the fry hatch and leave.

Good to know

The large 'common pleco', often sold under similar names, can reach 45 cm. Check the species before buying.