Bristlenose Pleco
Moderatefreshwater
Overview
Ancistrus is a genus of nocturnal freshwater fish in the family Loricariidae of order Siluriformes, native to freshwater habitats in South America and Panama.
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20–28°C (68–82°F) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult Size | 15 cm (6 in) |
| Min Tank | 30 gallons |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
Tank Setup
Feeding
Herbivore — algae wafers, blanched vegetables, driftwood
Compatibility
Breeding
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons — licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Taxonomic data: *Ancistrus cirrhosus (Valenciennes, 1836) * — GBIF (2026). Wikipedia summary: Bristlenose Pleco — CC BY-SA 4.0.
Care parameters cross-referenced with Seriously Fish.
Quick facts & gear
- Min tank size
- 30 gallons
- Temperature
- 20–28°C (68–82°F)
- pH range
- 6.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 15 cm (6 in)
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Origin
- Member of family Loricariidae, order Siluriformes. See species profile for distribution details.
- Diet
- Herbivore —algae wafersblanched vegetablesdriftwood