Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Loricariidae
About
The bristlenose pleco is a stocky, armored suckermouth catfish, far more tank-friendly than the common pleco because it stays modestly sized. Mature males develop a striking crown of fleshy tentacles on the snout. A diligent nocturnal algae grazer, it rasps surfaces clean and constantly gnaws driftwood, which it genuinely needs in its diet. Hardy, adaptable and an excellent choice for most community aquariums.
Care
Provide driftwood, caves and strong filtration in a tank of 110 L or more. Hardy across a wide parameter range; males can be territorial toward each other, so give ample floor space.
Diet
Primarily herbivorous; needs driftwood plus algae wafers and blanched vegetables. Produces a lot of waste, so keep filtration robust and do regular water changes.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (30)
Possible with care (71)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.