Common Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus)

Fish in the family Loricariidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameAncistrus cf. cirrhosus

FamilyLoricariidae

Also known asBristlenose Catfish, Bushynose Pleco, Bushy Nose, BN Pleco

Care levelEasy

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

DietHerbivore (algae, vegetables, biofilm) with some protein

Adult size5 in

Minimum tank size25 gallons

Water parametersTemp 73-82°F, pH 6.5-7.8, GH 2-20 dGH

Appearance

Stocky dark brown to grey body with lighter spots; mature males develop branching tentacle-like bristles on the snout.

Difficulty and care for the Common Bristlenose Pleco

Easy

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon basin)

Keeper notes

Peaceful; males can be territorial toward other male bristlenose over caves.

Log Common Bristlenose Pleco in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Common Bristlenose Pleco alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app