Bristlenose - Calico

The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus spp.) is a popular, hardy freshwater catfish. Unlike common plecos that grow up to 18 inches, they reach a manageable size of 4 to 6 inches, making them ideal cleaners for 20+ gallon community tanks. Males are easily identified by the unique, tentacle-like bristles on their snouts.

Quick Overview

• Care Level: Easy
• Size: 4 to 6 inches
• Lifespan: 5 to 8 years (sometimes up to 12 years)
• Temperament: Peaceful but can be territorial towards other bottom dwellers
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68°F - 82°F
  • pH: 6.0 - 8.0

Diet & Tank Setup

While well-known as algae eaters, Bristlenose Plecos are actually omnivores and require a varied diet.

Diet:

• Supplement a base of high-quality sinking algae wafers with blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, or green beans.

Driftwood:

• Essential for their digestive health; they rasp on the wood to aid in digestion.

Environment:

• They thrive with plenty of floor space, plants, caves, and hiding spots, as they are mostly nocturnal.

Behavior & Tank Mates

Bristlenose Plecos are peaceful community fish that can comfortably live alongside tetras, corydoras, and even delicate fish like discus.

• Mature males, however, can be very territorial with one another.
• It is best to keep only one male per tank unless the aquarium is very large with plenty of visual barriers and hiding caves.