Description:
The Common Bristlenose is Ancistrus, a genus comprising nocturnal freshwater fish native to South American freshwater habitats, they are renowned in the aquarium hobby as the Bristlenose catfish. The Bristlenose Pleco is highly valued in the aquarium hobby for its hardy nature and unique appearance. This catfish is distinguished by its rugged, armour-like plating and its characteristic bristles. Males of this species develop prominent, bushy-like bristles around their heads, which contribute to their charming nickname, "the bushy nose catfish." In contrast, females possess more subtle bristles, generally limited to their lips rather than extending across their entire heads.
In terms of colouration, the Common Bristlenose Pleco typically exhibits a variety of hues, including dark brown or black with lighter spots or stripes. This coloration not only enhances their visual appeal but also provides effective camouflage in their natural habitat. Their striking appearance and relatively small size make them an attractive choice for many aquarium enthusiasts.
Temperament:
The Common Bristlenose Pleco is known for its peaceful and solitary behaviour. This species is generally non-aggressive and can coexist peacefully with a range of tank mates and community fish species, provided that the aquarium is well-structured with sufficient hiding places. However, males may display territorial behaviour, particularly in confined spaces or when other males are present. This territoriality is typically manifested in disputes over hiding spots or during breeding periods. Overall, the Common Bristlenose is adaptable and usually integrates well into community tanks with compatible fish species.
Diet:
The Bristlenose diet primarily consists of various types of algae and biofilm that naturally develop on surfaces within the tank. To ensure optimal health and nutrition, it is advisable to supplement their diet with high quality algae and meat based wafers and sinking pellets designed for bottom feeding fish. Additionally, providing blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and spinach can offer variety and essential nutrients. We recommend Including driftwood in the aquarium setup to benefit the Bristlenose, as it allows them to graze on the microflora and microfauna that colonise its surface.
Breeding Behaviour:
Bristlenose plecos are cave spawners with fascinating breeding behaviour. A mature male will claim a cave, piece of driftwood, or other suitable hollow ornaments and clean it thoroughly before spawning. Once ready, he will defend this site against other males and potential threats.
When a female is ready to breed, she will linger around the male’s chosen cave. The male will trap the female inside the cave to ensure successful spawning, this is completely normal and nothing to worry about. The pair will spawn inside the cave, with the female laying a cluster of eggs that the male immediately fertilises. After spawning, the female is released and leaves the area, while the male takes full responsibility for the eggs.
The male stays in the cave almost constantly, fanning the eggs with his fins to keep water moving over them, which helps prevent fungal growth and keeps the eggs well-oxygenated. He will also remove any dead or infertile eggs and guard the site from other fish.
The eggs hatch within 3–5 days, depending on water temperature and other environmental factors. Once hatched, the fry remain in the cave for another 3–4 days, absorbing their yolk sacs. During this time, they do not require external food. When the yolk sacs are fully absorbed, the fry become free-swimming and will begin to leave the cave in search of food.
To encourage breeding, provide multiple suitable caves, maintain excellent water quality, and feed the adults a varied, high-quality diet to keep them in top condition. Slightly cooler water changes can mimic natural seasonal cues and help trigger spawning. It’s also best to avoid having multiple males in the same tank unless there are plenty of caves to reduce territorial disputes.
- Species – Ancistrus sp. Cirrhosus
- Common Name – Common Bristlenose
- Origin – South America
- Temperament – Peaceful
- Diet – Omnivore
- Minimum Tank Requirement – 75 litres
- Tank Level – Bottom dweller
- Care Level – Easy
- PH Range – 6.5 – 7.5
- Temperature – Tropical 26°c – 28°c
- Breed Type – Egg Layer - usually in caves
- Size – Grows to approximately 15cm
- Sex – Un-sexed
- Float the Bag: Place the unopened bag in your tank and let it float for 15–20 minutes. This lets the water inside the bag slowly match your tank’s temperature.
- Turn Off the Lights: Keep the aquarium lights off during this process. It helps keep things calm and prevents sudden temperature changes.
- Add a Bit of Tank Water: After floating, carefully open the bag and pour out about half the water into a sink or bucket (not into your tank). Then, slowly add small amounts of your tank water into the bag over 15–20 minutes. This helps your fish adjust to the new water conditions.
- Gently Move the Fish: Use a fish net to gently move your fish from the bag into the tank. Try not to pour the bag water into your tank — this helps keep your aquarium clean and healthy.
- Watch and Wait: It’s normal for fish to hide or act a bit shy at first. Keep an eye on them, and avoid doing a water change for the first 24 hours to give them time to settle in.
For more detailed steps and tips, feel free to visit our Acclimation Guide in our Education tab to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new fish.
Common Bristlenose Pleco
Common Bristlenose Pleco
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Why Shop With us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
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Is Your Tank Ready? — Important Info Before Buying
Is Your Tank Ready? — Important Info Before Buying
⚠️ Important: Please ensure your aquarium is fully cycled before introducing any new fish. A cycled tank provides a stable, healthy environment and helps prevent stress, illness and even death of your new fish! If you’re unsure what this means, visit the Education section of our website and read our page on The Nitrogen Cycle.
🐟 Want expert tips for your aquarium? Beginners can start with How to set up your aquarium, while everyone can check out Aquarium Maintenece & Care for ongoing tank tips!
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