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Smaller than its hypostomus cousin, this unique pleco is a delightful addition to a medium sized aquarium. Its manageable size makes it more practical for the average aquarist, and it is available in several color and fin variations.

Quick stats:

Listed tank sizes are the minimum
Size:	Average adult size: 4-5" (10-13cm)
Tank:	Min. Tank requirements: 36”" inches in length
Strata:	Bottom
PH:	PH recommendation 6.5 to 7.5
Hardness:	Soft to medium (will adapt to a range of specifications)
Temperature:	72°F to 86°F (22°-30° C)

Classification:

Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Loricariidae
Sub Family:	Ancistrinae
Genera:	Ancistrus
Species:	temminckii

 

Common name:

Bristlenose pleco , Bushynose

Additional species photographs

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Distribution

South America: Saramacca, Suriname, and Maroni River basins.

Elongated form with a flat underside. The distinguishing characteristic is the soft fleshy extensions on the nose which give this pleco its name. These “bristles” appear only on the male of the species, and are used in sexing specimens. The mouth is on the underside of the head, and feeding is accomplished by rasping on a surface. Ancistrus is a small pleco, being full grown at less than 6 inches. Longfin varieties have been produced through selective breeding.

Overall coloration is brown with light colored spots. A thin cream colored stripe appears at the tip of the dorsal and and tail fins. The belly is lighter in color, but still shows the contrasting spots against a darker body color. Albino and piebald forms exist in captivity.

Ancistrus is a nocturnal catfish, and prefers to stay hidden during the day. Caves or tunnels should be provided. They also require driftwood as part of the tank setup, as they will rasp on the wood to aid in digestion. Food should consist of vegetable matter, including zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and romaine lettuce. Algae wafers will also be eaten. They will graze on algae in the tank, but algae should not be relied on as the primary diet. Ancistrus will do well with most tankmates, but males can be territorial toward other males of the same species in a close environment. As long as partial water changes are carried out regularly, ancistrus is undemanding with concern to water conditions.

Shallow pools and Fast flowing, clear tributaries of the Amazon River in areas with submerged wood.

Ancistrus have been bred in the home aquarium with great success. A pair may be successfully spawned in a 30 gallon tank. Caves or tunnels should be provided and will be utilized as a spawning site. They seem to prefer a cave just large enough for the male and female to fit side by side. Once eggs are laid, the male cares for them by fanning the eggs and guarding the cave. Fry will eat algae and blanched green beans or romaine lettuce.

Bushy Nose Pleco L-144 Click photo to buy Ancistrus sp.

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From: Michelle Dawson Date:03/06/08 After trying several different varieties of algae eating fish all of which either grew too big or too aggressive for my tank I finally found the bristlenosed catfish. They are wonderful for a community tank that needs the glass cleaning. They are peaceful, only grow to 5" long, don't need any special care and keep the tank sparklingly clean. I've had mine for about 5 years now. He's a boy with a face full of whiskers. He is quite secretive, only see him at night but I'm rather fond of him. He has a piece of driftwood to rasp on. Other than that he gets no special attention at all. He lives off the food the other fish leave behind and seems perfectly happy. So if you are looking for an algae eater that keeps your tank clean and doesn't attack the other fish and doesn't grow too big this is the one you've been looking for. From: moonbunny Date:11/19/07 Fantastic fish! If you've ever wanted a super-clean tank, these long-lived, cheerful, amiable, shy and beautiful fish are perfect! Virtues: They keep every inch of their tank sparkling! They are extremely healthy/hearty fish (low ammonia.) Appearances: Their eyes show a whole world of emotions, as does their patterning, like an octopus, they grow lighter or brighter depending on their moods. And their bellies are such a pretty and translucent milky pink-beige! Their genders are a surprise until, when they're about 1 year old, the girls have a growth spurt and the fellas sprout whiskers--looking a bit like Schnauzers or Scotties. Personality: The gents really enjoy having a whole tank to range over, whereas the ladies appear to pick a spot and call it home, most of the time. They get on exceptionally well with other fish (esp. otos.) Likes: They do well in tanks as small as a 20L, although the bigger/longer the tank, the better. And these adventurous clowns love "surfing" in the brisk outflow stream of a filter (my plecos, Ish and Minnie, have an Aquaclear 70 on their 20L.) They like a tank with lots of hiding places and plants, either real or artificial, seem to prefer anything between filtered daylight to darkness (when they are most active,) and, although shy, love being paid attention to. Dislikes: They can be a bit nervous when they're being cleaned, when they want to spawn, when a light's suddenly turned on or when they're eating. Other than that, the only thing I've really seen them get their tails in a twist over is having only "one" of something, each fish likes having their own driftwood, algae tab or cave from time to time. Foods: Ish and Minnie do very well on Hikari algae tablets, but they really like sampling a variety of foods, too. They need chunks of quality driftwood for rasping and digestive health. (If you live somewhere with high water Ph, the driftwood can make it higher. In that case, a couple small pieces of driftwood--soaked in boiling water overnight before placing in the tank--works out well.) Care tips: Caves made out of clay flowerpots are both appreciated and inexpensive enough to provide many hiding places. Bigger algae tabs are easier to rasp/eat than smaller tabs. They also really appreciate having a food bowl—something to contain their algae tabs, etc. so they don’t have to chase them all over the tanks. A plus: Food bowls keep tanks cleaner and make clean up a snap. After 2 years with my Ish and Minnie, I can't imagine being without Bristlenose Plecos! It's said they can live about 15 years and every year ahead is sure to be a happy adventure!

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