Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus
Also known as Bushy Nose Pleco, Bristlenose Catfish
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A stocky, whiskered catfish that grazes wood, glass and rock through the night. It is peaceful with other fish, though territorial with its own kind and similar-shaped catfish. Its source figures describe a large wild species, so tank-bred fish may stay smaller. Add driftwood and caves.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 64 US gal
- Footprint
- 47 x 18 in
- Temperature
- 79–86 °F
- pH
- 5–7
- Hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- Single fish
- Lifespan
- 5–12 years
Bristlenose Pleco care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Plan on one as the centerpiece of the tank, and read the tank-mate lists before adding others.
- Check the exact species when buying, because sizes vary and the name covers several fish.
- Add driftwood and caves. It needs wood to graze and shelter of its own.
- Keep only one male in smaller tanks, since males defend territories.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 64 US gallons.
Bristlenose Pleco tank mates and swim zone
Bottom
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Trichopodus leerii
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Pterophyllum scalare
Trichopodus trichopterus
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Caridina multidentata
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Bristlenose Pleco is much larger than Cardinal Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Bristlenose Pleco is much larger than Ember Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Bristlenose Pleco is much larger than Black Neon Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Bristlenose Pleco is much larger than Glowlight Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Paracheirodon innesi
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Danio rerio
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Tanichthys albonubes
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Common tank-mate questions
Bristlenose Pleco feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed algae wafers and sinking pellets after dark.
- Add blanched vegetables and occasional frozen foods.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Adult males have long, branching bristles on the head. Females have only small bristles around the mouth.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Loricariidae
- Native to
- South America
- Adult size
- 7.9 in (20 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Solitary/Centerpiece
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Water flow
- Moderate
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Shrimp
- Adult Shrimp Only
- Fin nipping
- None
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Moderate
Bristlenose Pleco FAQ
What size tank do Bristlenose Plecos need?
Our sourced minimum is 64 US gallons (243 liters), with a footprint of 120 x 45 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Bristlenose Plecos should I keep?
One is fine in a tank this size. Add more only with plenty of extra room and cover.
What can live with Bristlenose Plecos?
Good matches on our list include Pearl Gourami, Congo Tetra and Angelfish. Avoid Neon Tetra and Zebra Danio.
How long do Bristlenose Plecos live?
Care guides report about 5–12 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Will a bristlenose pleco clean my tank?
It eats some algae, but it also adds plenty of waste. It helps with algae on glass and wood, but it is not a replacement for maintenance.
Where to buy Bristlenose Pleco
We have not found a store that sells Bristlenose Pleco under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
For bigger species and larger schools. Check your stand and floor can carry the weight.
Tank size for this species
At least 64 US gallons (243 L), 120 x 45 cm footprint
Filter
Large hang-on-back or canister filter
Handles the extra waste. Canisters also hold more media and run quietly.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 200 W at 40 gallons, about 275 W at 55
Enough power for a large volume. Two smaller heaters that add up to that figure add a safety margin.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.