Bristlenose Pleco Fish Species Profile

There are many species of catfishes in the family Loricariidae, and several have become prominent within the aquarium hobby. One of these species features tentacles around the snout, therefore giving it the name bristlenose. The popularity of the Bristlenose Pleco is attributed to the fact that they stay small compared to other common catfish, such as the common pleco (Pterygoplichthys pardalis), which can grow to 18-20 inches in length. The bristle nose pleco usually reaches only five inches in length.

Having a diet of vegetation makes plecos an ideal aquarium addition. They are terrific tank cleaners who will "vacuum" the substrate on a daily basis. As peaceful and sociable fish, plecos fit into community tanks nicely. The Bristlenose Pleco is not only an easy fish to care for; it's also unique in appearance and fun to watch.

Characteristics

Origin and Distribution

The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus) originates in South America, mainly in the fast-flowing waters of the Amazon River Basin. Other species of Ancistrus catfishes can be found in other parts of South and Central America, including Panama.

Because these fish are so easy to care for, they make a great choice for beginners. The Bristlenose Pleco was first classified in 1836 and have become quite popular since.

Colors and Markings

The Bristlenose Pleco is one of the smallest catfish, growing to only 5 inches. They are brown, green, or gray with white or yellow spots; some have uneven coloring, with lighter and darker splotches on various parts of their bodies. Most have lighter abdomens and darker backs (with the exception of the albino Bristlenose, which is mostly yellowish). This species has an unusual appearance, featuring bony plates, a flat, fat body, and a wide head with an "underbite" to the set of the lower mandible. Bristles start to appear around six months, when the fish has reached maturity.

Tankmates

Any peaceful fish are fine tankmates for Bristlenose Plecos, and they can be kept together with other algae eaters, like snails or grazing fish. They are great for community tanks with species like Neon Tetras, Platys, Guppys, and more. Some aquarists even pair them with known aggressors, such as bettas or African cichlids, and even with competitive fish like goldfish. However, when plecos reach maturity the males can be highly territorial around each other.

Bristlenose Pleco Habitat and Care

Bristlenose Plecos do well in a tank of 20 gallons or larger and can handle a wide range of water conditions from soft and acidic to harder and alkaline. Water temperature should be kept around 73-80 degrees Fahrenheit with a pH of 6.5—7.5, Ensure water hardness is less than 200 ppm. Some hobbyists have found success with Bristlenose Plecos in Cichlid tanks. This may hold true, but it would be best not to keep them with larger Central and South American Cichlids. If you're looking to breed them, do not add into a tank with substrate spawning Cichlids because the Cichlids are likely to devour their eggs.

Naturally, Bristlenose Plecos prefer water that is well aerated with some sort of current. Because they are bottom dwellers, make sure to provide plenty of driftwood, roots, plants, and caves for them to hide in during the day. They are nocturnal and prefer to do their eating mostly at night. Driftwood can provide a good substrate on which algae will consistently grow, giving the Bristlenose Pleco a sufficient amount of food. Although they are herbivores, they will not harm live plants.

Bristlenose Pleco Diet and Feeding

In nature, Bristlenose Plecos are herbivores, eating mainly algae, so feeding algae or spirulina wafers once or twice daily is best. Granules, flakes, or bloodworms are also good, while the occasional zucchini slices and blanched romaine lettuce or spinach are good treats. Just make sure to never overfeed. Feed your Bristlenose algae wafers once or twice a week and provide vegetables every 24 hours such as cabbage and zucchini. Well-fed plecos have good coloration so it's easy to tell when their nutritional needs are being met. Like all catfish, the Bristlenose Pleco will also spend some of its time foraging through the substrate for algae and other detritus; this, of course, is a great plus as it results in a much cleaner tank.

Gender Differences

This species is relatively easy to breed, and it's quite easy, as well, to determine gender. Both males and females have fleshy tentacles around the snout, thus earning the name bristlenose, but males have large bristles on their heads. Males are usually larger, and also have spikes on their fins.

Breeding the Bristlenose Pleco

Breeding conditions are fairly simple; in fact, the normal tank habitat is nearly ideal. To encourage mating, however, you will probably want to add caves or driftwood to your Bristlenose Plecos' habitat. Once males mature, they will claim a territory that is most suitable for spawning.

The next step is for the female to arrive and lay her eggs during mating season. It's best to do a 75 percent water change to promote mating; their natural mating season is during the Amazon's rainy season, and the change of water can spur mating behaviors (November best aligns with the natural timing of the mating season). The male will defend his territory from other males until a mate finally shows up. Often, fights between males result in their bristles getting tangled together.

Once ready to breed, the female lays her eggs in the male's territory. Eggs are stuck onto hard surfaces such as driftwood, ceilings of caves, PVC piping, or a suitable tank decoration. The male will guard the spawning area for the 5 to 10 days it takes for the eggs to hatch. After hatching, the fry will absorb their egg yolk for a few days, and once finished with that, they will move on immediately to eating algae.

More Pet Fish Species and Further Research

Small catfish are a terrific addition to a freshwater tank, not only because they're peaceful and easy to care for but also because of their foraging habits which help to keep the tank clean. The Bristlenose Pleco is a great choice for a beginner, but if you’re interested in other easy to keep catfish species, check out:

• Julii Cory
• Panda Cory
• Three Stripe Cory

Check out additional fish species profiles for more information on other freshwater fish.