CheckMyFishTankBristlenose Pleco care
Ancistrus cirrosus · Freshwater · Beginner level care
The best algae eater of the pleco family, staying small enough for most tanks.
Feeding
Once a day. A small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours. Algae wafers, blanched vegetables, driftwood to chew.
Claims a territory and guards it.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Bristlenose Pleco in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Discus: Discus and Bristlenose Pleco need different water temperatures.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bristlenose Pleco.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bristlenose Pleco.
- Green Terror: Green Terror is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bristlenose Pleco.
- Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bristlenose Pleco.
- Cobalt Blue Zebra: Cobalt Blue Zebra is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bristlenose Pleco.
- Kenyi Cichlid: Kenyi Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bristlenose Pleco.
- Demasoni Cichlid: Demasoni Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bristlenose Pleco.
Questions
What size tank does a Bristlenose Pleco need?
At least 30 gallons. Adults grow to about 5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Bristlenose Pleco like?
72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Bristlenose Pleco should I keep together?
One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.
What do Bristlenose Pleco eat?
Algae wafers, blanched vegetables, driftwood to chew. Feed once a day: a small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.