Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus
The best algae-eating catfish for home aquariums — stays small, peaceful and works hard.
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Min. Tank Size | 75 L |
| Temperature | 23.0–27.0 °C |
| pH Range | 6.5–7.8 |
| Max Size | 13.0 cm |
| Lifespan | 5-12 years |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
Care Guide
Unlike the common pleco that reaches 45 cm, the bristlenose stays under 15 cm, making it the ideal aquarium algae-eater. Provide driftwood, which it needs to rasp for digestion, and supplement with algae wafers and blanched vegetables.
They are peaceful and hardy but produce significant waste, so strong filtration and weekly water changes are important. A cave gives them daytime shelter and a breeding site.
Behaviour
Nocturnal suckermouth catfish that grazes algae and rasps driftwood.
Compatibility
Excellent algae-eater for community and cichlid tanks; peaceful but territorial with other plecos.
Breeding
Cave spawner; the male guards eggs in a pleco cave and fans them until they hatch.
Disease Risks
Ich, malnutrition without vegetable matter, bloat from over-feeding. See our fish disease database for treatment.