Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus)
Ancistrus cirrhosus
Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus) (Ancistrus cirrhosus) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 15 cm. It needs at least 80 litres and one individual, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Température de l’eau
22 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
15 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 80 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
GH
4 - 15 dGH
KH
1 - 10 dKH
TDS
70 - 325 ppm
Conductivité
109 - 508 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Ancistrus cirrhosus; the verified classification records genus Ancistrus, family Loricariidae, subfamily Hypostominae, order Siluriformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus) is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The minimum reference is one individual; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus) needs an aquarium of at least 80 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of one individual. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is herbivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 22–28 °C, pH 6–7.5. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origine et répartition géographiques
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origine
Amérique du Sud hors Amazonie
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Territorial
- Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus) has a generally territorial temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Régime alimentaire
- Herbivore
- This species is primarily an herbivore and detritivore, requiring a diet rich in vegetable matter. They must be provided with high-quality spirulina wafers, sinking wood-based pellets, and fresh blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, or spinach. Crucially, the aquarium must contain natural driftwood, as grazing on wood provides essential lignin needed for their digestive health. While they consume algae biofilms, they should never be expected to survive on aquarium algae alone.
- Espérance de vie
- 5-12 years
- Taille adulte
- 15 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Solitary
- Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus) is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The reference minimum is one individual and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Once daily
- Ancistrus cirrhosus should ideally be fed once daily, preferably in the evening or just before the lights are turned off. Since they are nocturnal feeders, evening feedings align best with their natural activity patterns and prevent other fish from stealing their food. Offering fresh vegetables several times a week is also recommended, but any uneaten portions must be removed within 24 hours. Juvenile bristlenoses can benefit from twice-daily feeding to support their rapid growth phases.
- Charge biologique
- Medium to High
- Ancistrus cirrhosus has a moderate to high biological load due to its constant grazing activity. Since it continuously rasps on wood, algae, and detritus, it produces a significant amount of solid waste. Consequently, a robust filtration system, preferably with efficient mechanical and biological media, is essential. Weekly water changes and regular substrate vacuuming are strongly recommended to maintain low nitrate levels.
- Courant
- Strong
- This catfish species prefers moderate to strong water flow, reflecting its natural riverine habitats in South America. Good water circulation helps maintain high oxygen levels, which is crucial for their well-being. A high-quality power filter or an additional powerhead can easily simulate these conditions. However, there should also be calmer areas in the tank where they can rest without fighting the current constantly.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- While not traditional open-water jumpers, Ancistrus cirrhosus does present a minor risk of escaping the aquarium. They can easily climb up filter pipes, glass walls, or cables, especially if startled or when searching for food. Stressed individuals or those in poor water conditions are more prone to climbing out of the water. Therefore, a secure, tight-fitting lid or cover slides are necessary to prevent accidental escapes.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Reproduction of Ancistrus cirrhosus is relatively easy and frequently occurs spontaneously in the home aquarium. They are cave spawners, with the male choosing a suitable cave and cleaning it to attract a female. After spawning, the female is expelled, and the male takes sole responsibility for guarding, cleaning, and fanning the eggs. The eggs hatch in about 5 to 8 days, and the fry will start free-swimming once their yolk sacs are fully absorbed.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Community
- The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- Ancistrus cirrhosus is primarily a bottom-dwelling species that spends most of its time on the substrate, rocks, and wood. However, they are highly active climbers and will frequently be seen adhering to the aquarium glass at all levels. They use their specialized suctorial mouth to graze on biofilms and algae across various surfaces. It is important to provide flat stones and smooth surfaces at the bottom for their comfort.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 2 ± 0 se
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.01479, b = 2.98
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
Galerie d'images
Images sous licence liées à l'espèce ou, lorsqu'elles sont indiquées, au taxon représentatif le plus proche.
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