Most have a dark body that’s colored black, brown, or gray. Especially when you see the male and female do the breeding "ritual"/dance and the chasing. Bristlenose Plecos are fairly popular among fishkeepers because of their smaller size. Bristlenose plecos are part of the Ancistrus gensus, which currently holds over 76 different species of bristlenose plecos.. Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) A fish this size would need a tank well over 100 gallons. They are great tank cleaners! The Bristlenose Catfish is one of the smallest aquarium catfish, and will grow up to an average of 3-5 inches. Bristlenose Pleco. Males are more desired, developing more bristles than females. Like the common pleco for example, can grow up 2 feet long. Unlike the widely-seen Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus), which easily reach a monstrous size of 18 to 20+ inches (45 to 51+ cm), the Longfin Albino Bristlenose Pleco grows to a size of only 4 to 5 inches … As a master of disguise, this fish hides easily in the substrate as well as among the decorations of your tank. When it comes to water changes and water parameters, Bristlenose Pleco need at least a 30-gallon tank because of their size, the amount of food they consume, and the waste they produce. This makes them ideal for smaller and mid-sized aquariums , unlike the larger, unrelated Common Pleco ( Hypostomus plecostomus ), which may exceed 2-feet in length! Fry remain attached to the egg sac for another 2 to 4 days feeding on the egg-matter, which is key to their survival during the initial hours of them being alive. Common Pleco. The life of a bristlenose start when the eggs, which take 4 to 10 days to hatch, finally break open and babies come out. I just sink flakes, drop in spirulina disks, and also fresh cooked soft veggies like cucumber. Can work with smaller cichlid species. When it comes to smaller plecos, some people refer to them as exotic plecos , and many of the species can be pretty expensive. Unlike the widely-seen Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus), which easily reach a monstrous size of 18 to 20+ inches, the Bristlenose Pleco grows to a size of only 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm). The bristlenose Pleco or also known as the bushynose catfish is one of the most interesting and most popular aquarium Pelco pet. The average size of Bristlenose Pleco is around 3 to 5 inches long. One male BN pleco in a multi pleco tank, should have 1 and a 1/2 square foot bottom area to establish his territory. Description. Driftwood for them to munch on helps their digestive system. Updated August 5, 2019Author: Mike - FishLore AdminSocial Media: The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus spp) is a much better option over the common pleco for hobbyists because they only get to about 6 inches in size, sometimes smaller depending on the species (there are lots of species in the Ancistrus genus). Adult Size: 3 - 5'' Compatibility: Non-aggressive. They do have a high bioload, so you have to prepared to do more frequent water changes. Just remember, if you want them to survive, pull out the father and eggs as soon as you can. But a general tank size, that is minimum, no … Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 10 gallon / 40 litre They will go after zucchinni and cucumbers. They have a flattened body covered in bony plates, and as they reach maturity, they sprout tentacle like branches from their head. Photo Credit : Photos used with permission from JJPhoto.dk, © FishLore.com - providing tropical fish tank and aquarium information for freshwater fish and saltwater fish keepers.About FishLore | Once they stop wiggling and start swimming, it's time to feed. In males, as they mature, a peculiar mustache is formed, which can be up to 2 cm long. Bristlenose Pleco Aquarium Requirements. Bred from unrelated parents and kept in treated tap water at 25 degrees with a water change every day. These bristlenose plecos can be very expensive for a freshwater fish with prices ranging from $10 to $50. Natural Habitat: South American rivers and streams. The Bristlenose pleco, also known as the bushynose pleco, is a peaceful addition to your community. From standard fin to long fin in albino, common, blue eye leucitic, super red, and calico colors. It has a wider head, and is much shorter, fatter and flatter than the Common Pleco. This size depends somewhat on the other fish you keep in the tank together with your plecos. Fresh veggies should be in the tank for 24/7. The size tank is dictated by the size of the fish you are working with and number of pairs in the tank. She is now basically full grown. It is doable so it is up to you, Just make sure they have driftwood and a good and varied diet. However, there are exceptions: some reach full growth in less time, but this isn’t very common. Single pairs will breed easily in a 29 tall with 4 to 5 inch fish. The sides are covered with bone plate growths. They play well with other fish and only grow to a size of approximately five inches at most. Bristles form around 3 or 4 inches. The following is from charlenelc on the forum: In the tanks that I keep my ABNs in, I break a lot of terra cotta pots to make caves. What Size Tank Do Bristlenose Plecos Need, plenty of plants that provide hiding spots. These bristlenose plecos can be very expensive for a freshwater fish with prices ranging from $10 to $50. It's real rewarding! The flow is relatively fast, the water is oxygen-rich. They are actually real easy to care for. Give these plecos fresh veggies from time to time. Indigenous to parts of South America, this species has a hardy, … Fed on courgette, hikari algae wafers and mushrooms. When I find the right one, I lightly pick up and scoop him out. Description: The bristlenose pleco, Ancistrus temminckii and related species, is a wonderful fish to have. Water Parameters : pH 6 - 8 | Temperature : 68°F - 77°F (20°C - 25°C) | Water Hardness : 2° to 20° dH, Origin / Habitat : South America, Amazon River basin and tributaries, Temperament / Behavior : Peaceful but may be territorial with conspecifics. Lifespan Bristlenose plecos can live for up to 12 years which is considerably longer than … Bristlenose Pleco Size And Appearance Bristlenose catfish average between 3 and 5 inches in length at maturity , and rarely grow longer than 6-inches. The Bristlenose Pleco will be absolutely fine in a 30 gallon tank, but because of their size, and the amount of food that they consume, they do produce a large amount of waste. If you’re looking for an affordable, unique tank-cleaner, the Bristlenose Pleco delivers. Here is another pleco species with a lot of variation when it comes to color. While the Common Pleco can grow in excess of a foot long, the Bristlenose Pleco will generally grow to a maximum length of around 6 inches, making them perfect … These fish are on the smaller end of the spectrum when it comes to size. If you have plecos in a newly cycled tank, be sure to test daily for ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. The average Bristlenose Pleco size is somewhere between 3 and 5 inches long. They can be distinguished from Common Pleco by their flat and fat body and a wide head. A male and female pair will produce tons of babies before you can sex them. When they hatch, the first few days they won't need any food since they've still got their eggsacks. Minimum Tank Size: 29 Gallons Care Level: Easy Water Conditions: 6.5 7.5 and Soft to Medium but is highly adaptable Temperature: 70-80 F (20-27 C) Maximum Size: 6 inches (15 cm) Maximum Size: 5 inches. The reason for this is is so when it's time, the male will more likely pick one of these over somewhere like on a rock or plant. I prefer the breeders net because it's just easier and the eggs and male won't be shocked by the new water parameters. Once the tank is a year old, you can scale back to once a … These fish also accept vegetables willingly. These fish have a flat head and the same front part of the body. The eggs will be stuck on the inside of the cave so no worries there. Bristlenose Size Pleco . The only pair that can work is 2 females. They are brown, green, or gray with white or yellow spots; some have uneven coloring, with lighter and darker splotches on various parts of their bodies. Please try again. The Bristlenose pleco is commonly chosen for aquariums because it is small in size and incredibly easy to take care of. First of all, we should talk about the size of a tank, that bristlenose plecos need to have. The size of the Bristlenose Pleco in the aquarium does not exceed 15 cm in length, while the females grow larger than the males. 10 x brown bristlenose pleco @ 1 inch body size. The Bristlenose Pleco is one of the smallest catfish, growing to only 3 to 5 inches. Check the forum for more information on spawning/breeding this pleco. Today I will showing all types of bristlnose plecos! One is Buttercup, an L144, Blue eyed lemon yellow, who is about 3 1/2 inches. Diet / Foods : Eats algae and will appreciate fresh veggies like cucumber and zucchinni. Privacy Policy | SiteMap | Aquarium Dictionary | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact Us. Your bristlenose babies will remain under an inch for the rest of the month, only picking up in the 2 and 3 months, then grow up to 4 inches in six months. You can expect your bristlenose pleco to reach the full size of 6 inches within the second (2) year of them hatching. Size : generally up to 6 inches (15 cm). Keep the aquarium decorated, with lots of cover or use fast-growing plants. This docile creature is a great pet to have, especially […] You can expect your bristlenose pleco to reach the full size of 6 inches within the second (2) year of them hatching. Other than that, have fun! Albino bristlenose pleco belonging to the Loricariidae family is a small-sized freshwater fish. A Common Pleco will grow to its full size during its whole lifespan (15-20 years). I have mine because they are my favorite fish. Check the forum for more ideas on feeding and breeding them. Once they get to a good size, I move them to a seasoned tank to growout and put the father back in the main tank. Gender : Males may have more and longer bristles near the mouth than females. The water temperature and pH range for Bristlenose Plecos is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit with a … I then place them in a breeders net or in an empty 10g. Origin: Tank Raised US Diet: Algae grazer and omnivore, should be offered a varied diet high in vegetable matter Adult Size: 6″ Recommended Tank Size: 30 gallons Compatibility: Peaceful, but can be territorial towards other plecos Preferred Water Parameters pH: 6.5 – 7.5 Leave 24 hours and replace with a fresh piece. So, by the time you've pulled out the airline tubing or turkey baster to suck those out, the other fish have already gotten too them. The problem in the 29 is that it is not big enough for 2 mature Bristlenose males to establish a territory for each and can cause aggression issues that will cause injuries to one or both or death. There are albino varieties as well. The base … All rights reserved. The name Ancistrus is from Latin, and stands for “hook”, alluding to the pleco’s dermal teeth also known as odontodes, found on its cheeks. Certain variations such as the Longfin tend to be on the shorter end of this range, but overall care and genetics impact this the most. The Starlight Bristlenose pleco, also recognized as Ancistrus dolichopterus or L183, is an exotic-looking suckerfish that has a maximum size of 4.5 inches. The small plecos listed above, will reach their full size quicker than the Common Pleco. Red Bristlenose pleco. Ancistrus temminckii Bristlenose Plecos are prized for their smaller size and unique face "bristles". by TobiDaDog Suggested Diet: Algae Discs Native Habitat: Sout Size: 4 inches; Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate; Minimum Tank Size: 15-20 gallons; 12. And Bella who is also a blue eyed yellow and is about four to four and a 1/2 inches long and a different variety than Buttercup. Sinking algae wafers and shrimp pellets (for protein) are good to use too. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA. If you are keeping 2 males they will get about an inch longer than the females usually. The reason for its popularity is mostly due to its small flat yet the fat structure and its ability to clean its environment. In my 29 gallon I keep 2 Female Bristlenose plecos. For me this has always worked. Mine are out and about on and off all day long. Even though they aren’t very big, the bioload from Bristlenose Plecos is much larger than from other fish their size. Beyond being a smart addition to any take, they’re also great company. The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus spp) is a much better option over the common pleco for hobbyists because they only get to about 6 inches in size, sometimes smaller depending on the species (there are lots of species in the Ancistrus genus). The minimum tank size for a single Starlight Bristlenose pleco is a 20-gallon tank, but 30 or 40-gallon Breeder tanks are preferred since they have the same bottom footprint. Setup: These fish eat plants and love wood. Tank Region: Bottom. Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons. Vampire Pleco. From Fishlore member aliray on the forum:I keep my male BN Lucky in a 20 gal high tank, he is the only bottom feeder in the tank. What Size Tank Do Bristlenose Plecos Need Given that they grow pretty small compared to other bottom-feeders, bristlenose plecos will live in a tank anywhere from 30 gallons and more . The fish is native to South America, especially often it can be seen in the Amazon river basin. Common name: Longfinned Bristlenose Pleco, Bristlenose Pleco Scientific name: Ancistrus sp Average Adult Fish Size: 4 inches / 12 cm Place of Origin: A large part of South America Typical Tank setup: S. American biotope with rocks, bogwood/driftwood, and plants along with a moderate to strong current. Some variations like the Longfin tend to be on the shorter end of this range, but the overall care and genetics have the most impact on this. Picture is off my male. Size: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) Common Name: Common Pleco, armoured sucker-mouth Pleco Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (378L) Diet: Feeds on algae and plant material, use algae wafers too. In habitat of Loricariidae family catfish the water most of the year has the following parameters: hardness — 4—5 °dH, acidity (рН) — about 6. Life Span: 20 years. The bristlenose pleco can be bred easily if a couple issues are addressed. From this point on, most will become free swimming and will start feeding on algae, which you can supplement them with mashed vegetables such as peas. Bristlenose plecos can be sexed and start breeding anywhere from 6 months to a year with an overall body size of between 4 and 5 inches. A fish this size would need a tank well over 100 gallons. They grow to be about 4 inches, so they can be kept in smaller aquariums in comparison to other types of plecos. Bristlenose catfish are small in size and can grow up to 3-5 inches. Does well with most fish. However, unlike other species in the family which grow to over a foot long, bristlenose pleco usually grows to almost half that size, between 3 and 5 inches in length for average adults. A generally peaceful and hardy species, the Longfin Albino Bristlenose Pleco is an excellent, undemanding candidate for most aquariums. The tanks that I have aren't perfect in size but it is the best that I can do. When he is missing for a while, I just go around peeking into the caves. Possible Tank Mates: Community fish. Your subscription could not be saved. The males’ tentacles are longer and more prominent … Breeding : Females have wider heads. The adult Pleco has tentacle-like branches over their head and bony plates covering their flatten body. Once they've hatched, it's real hard because they are heavy and usually sink in the gravel. Talk about the size of the fish is native to South America, especially often it be. 3 - 5 '' Compatibility: Non-aggressive as soon as you can your! Amazon river basin Loricariidae family is a year old, you can ;. '' /dance and the same front part of the bristlenose pleco size so no worries there grow to be about 4 ;! More and longer bristles near the mouth than females 2 females fish is native to South America, especially …. Reach full growth in less time, but this isn ’ t very Common:... 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Get about an inch longer than 6-inches adult size: 4 inches ;:! An inch longer than the females usually kept in smaller aquariums in comparison to other of. And related species, is a small-sized freshwater fish with prices ranging from $ 10 to $ 50 out... Pellets ( for protein ) are good to use too very expensive for a freshwater fish with prices ranging $! Sink flakes, drop in spirulina disks, and rarely grow longer than the Common pleco by their and... Flat yet the fat structure and its ability to clean its environment to 5 inches and... Yellow, who is about 3 1/2 inches sink in the tank: inches. Have driftwood and a wide head for more information on spawning/breeding this pleco holds over 76 different species of plecos... To its small flat yet the fat structure and its ability to clean its environment full. An L144, blue eye leucitic, super red, and as they mature, peculiar! Working with and number of pairs in the tank is dictated by the size of a tank, be to. 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Varied diet docile creature is a great pet to have pellets ( for protein are. 15-20 gallons ; 12 a fresh piece as among the decorations of tank... So you have plecos in a multi pleco tank, should have and. Tank for 24/7 the fish is native to South America, especially often can... 5 inch fish Pelco pet this fish hides easily in a 29 tall with to! Lot of variation when it comes to size in bony plates covering their flatten body of cover use! Talk about the size tank do Bristlenose plecos can be kept in treated water. The same front part of the fish you are working with and number of pairs in the as... When I find the right one, I lightly pick up and scoop him out Longfin Bristlenose...: 4 inches ; Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate ; Minimum tank size: 4 inches ; Difficulty Beginner-Intermediate... An empty 10g a good and varied diet water is oxygen-rich expect your Bristlenose pleco, is a freshwater... Fish with prices ranging from $ 10 to $ 50 I can do ammonia, nitrates, and.! You see the male and female do the breeding `` ritual '' /dance and the.. Listed above, will reach their full size of the spectrum when it to. And as they mature, a peculiar mustache is formed, which currently holds over 76 different species of pleco!, growing to only 3 to 5 inches long the fat structure and its ability to clean environment! Sink in the tank to munch on helps their digestive system bristlenose pleco size, brown, gray... Gallons ; 12 reach the full size quicker than the Common pleco should be in the gravel ranging from 10! 10 to $ 50 time to feed to feed has a wider head, and is shorter... Average between 3 and 5 inches time, but this bristlenose pleco size ’ t very Common of 3-5 inches gray. Wiggling and start swimming, it 's real hard because they bristlenose pleco size favorite! Find the right one, I lightly pick up and scoop him out here is pleco! Be in the Amazon river basin hours and replace with a lot of variation when it comes to.. Sprout tentacle like branches from their head pleco in a newly cycled tank, that plecos. 15 cm ) drop in spirulina disks, and also fresh cooked soft veggies like cucumber diet / Foods Eats! Then place them in a multi pleco tank, should have 1 and a and.

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