Fish care
Bristlenose Pleco: Complete Care Guide
Last updated: May 2026
Summary
Structured care sheet for Bristlenose pleco (Ancistrus sp.). Validate every purchase with the free aquarium stocking calculator, parameter testing habits, and the species database table.
- Cross-check length and temperature against the species explorer.
- Track nitrate drift weekly once the tank has cycled.
- Refer to the species hub for long-form tank mate essays.
Max size12 cm / 4.7in
Temperature21-27°C / 70–81°F
pH range6–7.5
Min tank size80 L / 21 US gal
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful detritivore
DietHerbivore-leaning omnivore
Swim zoneVaries
Wood fibre roughage
Ancistrus use rasping mouths on biofilm and lignin—smooth glass-only tanks starve their guts even if algae looks abundant. Supplement with zucchini coins and controlled veg protein, not just wafers.
Cave spawning
Males defend dark crevices; provide duplicate caves to split testosterone when keeping multiple adults.
See tank mate combinations tuned to temperament overlap.
Browser calculator stays free. The app only matters if you want several tanks, photos, and test history on your phone.
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