All fish / Loricariidae

Taunay's Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus taunayi

Also known as taunay's bristlenose, bristlenose pleco, bristlenose catfish, ancistrus taunay, southern bristlenose, アンシストルス・タウナイ, 胡子异型

This is a sturdy armoured catfish from cooler subtropical rivers in southern Brazil. It is dark brown to black with small pale spots, and mature males grow the fleshy bristles on the snout that give the group its name. Keepers like it as a peaceful algae grazer that stays a manageable size.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.6

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Singly or one male with several females

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, biofilm, plus occasional frozen bloodworm and shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southern Brazil (Rio Uruguay and Rio Jacuí drainages, Rio Grande do Sul)

Breeding

Males guard eggs laid on the ceiling of a cave or pipe and fan them until the fry hatch and absorb their yolk. Like other bristlenoses, it breeds fairly readily in captivity when caves and good water quality are provided.

Good to know

It prefers cooler, well oxygenated water with some current, so it does not suit very warm tropical set-ups. Supply driftwood and caves, and keep males apart in small tanks because they defend territories.