All fish / Loricariidae

Ancistrus nudiceps

Ancistrus nudiceps

Also known as bristlenose pleco, bristlenose catfish, nudiceps bristlenose

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This is a small armoured suckermouth catfish with a flattened brown body marked with pale spots, and mature males grow fleshy bristles on the snout. The species name refers to the head, which is largely bare of bony plates. People keep it as a hardy algae grazer that stays small enough for community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a group with plenty of caves; males defend territories

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, sinking pellets, occasional frozen bloodworm, plus bogwood to rasp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil (Amazon basin)

Breeding

Males guard eggs inside caves or hollow wood and fan them until the fry hatch and become free-swimming. Spawning in captivity is fairly easy once you provide caves, clean, well-oxygenated water and a good diet.

Good to know

Many bristlenose plecos sold under this name are really unidentified Ancistrus species or hybrids, so check the identification. It needs driftwood and a vegetable-rich diet to stay healthy.