Bristlenose Pleco

The Bristlenose Pleco is a small, hardy algae-eating catfish that has become the go-to pleco for community aquariums. Unlike their larger common pleco cousins that quickly outgrow tanks, bristlenose plecos remain manageable at 4-5 inches while providing excellent algae control. Named for the distinctive fleshy tentacles (bristles) that develop on males' faces, these fish are fascinating to observe as they work tirelessly cleaning aquarium surfaces. Native to the Amazon Basin in South America, they are well-adapted to various water conditions and are remarkably peaceful. They require driftwood in their diet to aid digestion, making them essential for keeping wood clean. Bristlenose plecos are nocturnal and most active after lights out, though they will emerge during the day once established. They are excellent tank mates for almost any peaceful community setup and are among the easiest plecos to breed in captivity.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Bristlenose plecos need hiding spots and driftwood. Provide caves using driftwood, rocks, or PVC pipes. Driftwood is essential for their digestive health. Include plants, but they may nibble on soft-leaved varieties. Moderate filtration with good water flow suits them. Dim lighting or shaded areas appreciated. Create territories if keeping multiple specimens.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Water Hardness: Moderate (6-20 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <40 ppm
• Oxygenation: Well-oxygenated water preferred

Good water quality is essential for their longevity. Perform 25-30% water changes weekly.

Feeding

Primarily herbivorous with supplemental protein. Feed:

• High-quality algae wafers daily
• Blanched vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, sweet potato, spinach (rotate daily)
• Driftwood (they graze on it constantly for fiber)
• Occasional frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp for protein (once weekly)

Feed vegetables in the evening when they are most active. Remove uneaten vegetables after 24 hours.

Behavior & Compatibility

Extremely peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. They are solitary and territorial with other plecos but peaceful with all other fish. Males develop prominent bristles on their face; females have smaller bristles or none. They spend most of their time suctioned to surfaces grazing on algae. Active at night, often hiding during the day. Compatible with virtually all peaceful community fish.

Common Health Issues

1. Starvation: Often from insufficient vegetable matter; ensure adequate feeding
2. Bloating/Constipation: From too much protein; maintain vegetable-heavy diet
3. Ich: Treatable with standard medications (scaleless fish - use half dose)
4. Fin rot: From poor water quality; maintain pristine conditions

Breeding

Among the easiest catfish to breed. Males claim caves and guard eggs. Trigger breeding with water changes and increased vegetable feeding. Females lay 30-200 eggs in caves. Male cares for eggs, fanning them with fins. Eggs hatch in 5-10 days. Fry eat algae, biofilm, and crushed algae wafers. Separate fry if you want to raise them all.

Tips for Success

• Always provide driftwood; it’s essential for their health
• Feed vegetables daily in addition to algae wafers
• Keep one per 20-30 gallons unless breeding (territorial with own kind)
• Use sinking algae wafers, not just flakes
• Create caves and hiding spots
• They produce significant waste; ensure adequate filtration
• Ideal for planted tanks as they don’t uproot plants