Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus cirrhosus

Also known as: Bushynose pleco, BN, Bristlenose catfish

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–30°C
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 90–270 ppm

Care Summary

The single most-recommended algae-eater in the modern hobby, and rightly so. Stays a manageable size, eats algae aggressively, and is hardy across a wide range of conditions. Distinguished by the tentacle-like growths on the snout of mature males ('bristles'). Requires driftwood in the diet — they rasp the wood to aid digestion, and tanks without driftwood often see them weaken over time. Supplement diet with algae wafers, blanched zucchini, and occasional protein. Will breed readily in community tanks with suitable caves, producing distinctive yellow-orange fry guarded by the male.

Tankmates

A peaceful, hardy algae-eater suitable for most community tanks of adequate size. Mature males are territorial toward each other; keep only one male per tank under 200L. Females and juveniles cohabitate fine. Crucially: do NOT confuse with the common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus), which is the species most chain pet shops sell as 'plecos' and which grows to 60+ cm and requires enormous tanks. Bristlenose plecos stay manageable and are the right pleco for most home aquariums.

Compatible with

• Betta
• Neon Tetra
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Bronze Corydoras
• Guppy
• Platy
• Ember Tetra
• Honey Gourami
• Pearl Gourami

Avoid keeping with

• Other Bristlenose Pleco Males
• Large Cichlids
• Aggressive Tankmates

Common Problems

• digestive issues in tanks without driftwood
• aggression between mature males
• being confused with the much larger common pleco at purchase
• occasional jumping if startled

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-03