Fishician®Diet
Herbivore/Omnivore – algae wafers, vegetables (zucchini, cucumber), driftwood, sinking pellets
Aquarium species profile
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp. · South America (Amazon basin)
Minimum tank30 gal
Adult size4–5"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature73–81°F
pH range6.0–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Almost all community fish; excellent tank mate for most setups
Tank mates to avoid
Other territorial Plecos in tight spaces
Care notes
Unlike common Pleco, stays small and manageable. Males have bristle/tentacle growths on snout. Excellent algae eater. Nocturnal. Needs driftwood for dietary fiber.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.