There’s actually more than 70 unique species of wild “bristlenose” catfish, and the list keeps growing: The good news is it doesn’t really matter which type of bushynose you buy. Just like the Longfin, the Super Red Bristlenose Pleco is giving the name its uniqueness. The male will clean the eggs and the nest, and aerate them over the 4-10 days they take to hatch with his fins. Bristlenose Pleco Types. Those tentacles are namesake for the fish. They are nocturnal fish and prefer low light or heavily shaded areas of your tank during the day. But here’s what you should be aiming for to maximize their health and lifespan: Water temperature: From 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Bristlenose Pleco. Required fields are marked *. Adult Bristlenose Plecos can handle water quality fluctuations very well, in general. Hardness in water: Keep this between 20 and 25. This is where things can get a bit confusing, since stores sell them under a variety of names. Gold Marble Bristlenose Pleco will also do well in tropical planted aquariums as their small size allows them to feed on algae growing on the plants, without damaging the plants in the process. Bristle’s were originally discovered in the Amazon and Orinoco Basins, but we’ve since found many related species widely distributed within a 270 million hectare region known as the Guiana Shield. This is... Longfin Bristlenose Pleco. Most of its own diet should include vegetable matter, although the Bristlenose pleco is an Common Pleco. The water temperature should be maintained from 15-27oC (60-80 F) anywhere, the water hardness should fall within 20-25, and the pH should be in 6.5-7.5. Bristlenose Pleco. They produce a good quantity of waste so the bigger the tank the better, especially if they are housed with other fish. It is one of the best algae eaters you can find, and it gets along well with most other fish species. It’s a great looking, really. Bristlenose catfish prefer tanks with a lot of live plants, and they actively feed on the biofilm and algae that grow in mature aquariums: Brushmouth catfish are easy to care for, but with their vigorous appetites, they also produce a lot of waste. They are then fertilized by the male and pushed out by the female to protect the eggs. They like shadowed areas, so the better you can create the more of these. The most commonly associated feature of the genus are the fleshy tentacles found in adult males on the head; females may have tentacles along the margin of the snout but they are smaller and lack tentacles on the head. Below is a list of the most popular aquarium ones: Bristlenose Plecostomus (Ancistrus sp.) Jen has more than 30 years experience as a biologist, aquarist, and fishkeeper. Let’s look at how to breed these now. Common bristlenose are usually a mix of black, brown, grey or olive base colors with paler white or orange/yellow patches or spots. Bristlenose catfish are all peaceful species, with similar dietary and care requirements in your tank. Ancistrus is one of the most varied genera of Loricariids, and representatives are found in most areas where the family is present at large. It’s relatively easy to provide good Bristlenose Pleco care once you know what you should do. And the one thing that remains constant in most of them is their breeding habits. These fish, as with all Common Bristlenose Plecos, are ideal inhabitants of the aquarium, grazing on diatom algae while still being safe with live plants and peaceful towards all tankmates. The mouth and face area is covered in long whisker-like appendages which are used to detect food. The common pleco is the most available one in pet stores. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); I sometimes use Affiliate links & Advertisements in my content. 15 Types Of Plecos You Should Consider For Your Tank 1. As long as you have a well maintained tank, you should not encounter any major issues. Bristlenose catfish prefer well filtered and very clean water with a moderate to high rate of flow along the bottom of their tank. All you need is a pair of adult plecos interested in mating and a tank large enough for them. It’s important to quarantine new fish and live plants before introducing them into your community to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. Unlike the other... Super Red Bristlenose Pleco. Using aquarium sand, soil or fine gravel prevents injury to your fish’s abdomen or fins. In addition, providing driftwood in your tank will allow algae to grow somewhere for the fish to feed on. Populations may be found in parts of Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela, Panama, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Zebra Pleco. While some species of fish are susceptible to unique diseases, for the Bristlenose this is not the case. These fish are on the smaller end of the spectrum when it comes to size. Candy Striped Pleco. Bristlenose catfish are scavenging omnivores and will enthusiastically consume both plant and animal foods. As members of the Loricariidae or armored catfish family, they don’t have scales but are instead covered in thick, boney plates. This is due to their unique look which separates them from the other types. They have a spiny dorsal fin that usually lies flat along their backs, but stands upright when they are alert. As bottom dwellers, bristlenose prefer horizontally-oriented tanks rather than tall or portrait-style aquariums. There’s little danger that you’ll accidentally end up with an aggressive mimic, as in the case with the Spotted Raphael catfish or Rubber Lip pleco. This won’t cost you anything but it helps me to manage my site. Parboiled lettuce or cabbage leaves, carrots, cucumber or peas are a few examples of things you could try feeding. The fish’s underside is lighter in colour than the main body. They are usually yellow or white. The Bristlenose pleco, also known as the bushynose pleco, is a peaceful addition to your community. They are very hardy, and can adapt to live comfortably in a wide range of tank conditions. The female lays the eggs and attaches them to the cave wall, and then, Be cautious when treating a sick bristlenose community, since these, As voracious eaters, bristlenose often suffer from, 50-gallon (or larger) aquarium with a cover/lid, Plastic containers, PVC pipes or ceramic flower pots for breeding caves, Commercial algae wafers and spirulina pellets, Treats like blanched veggies, and the occasional high-protein snack, Water conditioner and hoses/buckets for water changes, Soft aquarium soil, sand, or fine gravel substrate, Light Fixture and/or Moonlight for nighttime viewing. You could even move the eggs (along with whatever they are attached to to another tank if they breed in a community tank. Small spots of white or yellow are common. Bristlenose Plecostomus are widespread across South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin found across eight South American countries, while two species are common in Panama. Where Do Bristlenose Plecos Come From? So, replicating the conditions that they encounter in the wild is the key to keeping them healthy. First, it’s highly unlikely that the eggs or fry in a community tank will survive so you’ll need a specific breeding tank. 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. Bristlenose Pleco Types: Longfin, Albino, Super Red #1 — Longfin Bristlenose Pleco. Your email address will not be published. But they are catfish and may opportunistically snack on smaller invertebrates or fry. Furthermore, some types of plecos use their sucker mouth to consume carrion (i.e. They ARE dimorphic fish, but the differences aren’t the easiest to pick out in other types, particularly outside of the spawning season. 10 Most Common Types of Plecos. Bristlenose catfish are hardy and tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Bristlenose Pleco, a member of the Plecostomus family and an interesting species to have in your tank. It usually takes about 2 year for a bristlenose pleco to reach the full size. One of the most popular algae eaters in the trade, these suckermouth catfish are also known as the Bushy Nose or Brushmouth Pleco for the tentacles sprouting from their heads. Report this Ad. Tentacles, tentacles directly associated with odontodes, develop in the males of certain species on the pectoral fin spine. It depends on whether you also plan to raise fry, since you’ll need another basic set-up for the babies once they hatch. Bristlenose plecos are great algae eaters. They have a flattened body covered in bony plates and they sprout tentacles like branches from their head as they reach maturity. Their diet should consist of roughly 85% plant matter and 15 % protein. Ancistrus species show all of the characteristics typical of the Loricariidae. Also, you can feed them with blanched vegetables – try a variety to see what they like best. In the fish store, you can find them by the following names: Brushmouth Pleco, Brushynose Catfish, Bristlenose Catfish and Common Bristlenose. With a moderate flow of water you should ensure that your tank water is well oxygenated. They spend most of their time hiding on the algae that grows on all surfaces and grazing. Ancistrus also known as bristlenose pleco is a genus of nocturnal freshwater fish in order Siluriformes family Loricariidae, native to South America and Panama freshwater habitats. Tankarium is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. They prefer water from 60 to 80°F, so you may not need a heater for your tank, and a pH range from 6.5 to 7.5. It is not known they are suffering from major health problems. One of the most popular species of Pleco fish you will find in home aquariums all over the globe. The Bristlenose Pleco is certainly a standout species when it comes to appearance. Alongside the snout, they also lack odontodes.A bristlenose is typically shorter (4–6 inches or 15 cm or less) compared to a typical loricariid (pleco), more flattened and fatter, with a comparatively wider head. But unlike smaller species, such as the Bristlenose or Clown, Common Plecos often don’t work out … Some bristlenose can store oxygen in their stomachs for up to a day, and may be able to survive low-oxygen conditions, but other fish may suffer when exposed to hypoxic zones in your tank. The Bristlenose Pleco is essentially a scaled-down version of the Common Plecostomus. Bristlenose Plecos originated in South America from the streams and rivers. Stick with adult fish if you just haven’t got a ton of experience yet. What makes the Longfin Bristlenose Pleco so neat is right in the name. We ‘re a huge fan of that fish! Most have lighter abdomens and darker backs except for the Albino Bristlenose, which is mainly white. They do best when fed about 90 to 95% vegetable matter with the occasional protein treat: Bristlenose are known to feed on bogwood and aquarium biofilm, as well as algae and live plants, but aquariums can’t provide them with a naturally balanced diet. As we mentioned earlier, the Amazon originated in Bristlenose Plecos. Let’s take a look at the care requirements for the bristlenose pleco: What kind of aquarium set-up do these tentacled plecos need to thrive? Captive bred fish are nearly all hybrid species, so it’s often impossible to identify which you have unless they were harvested from the wild and you know the exact location they were collected from. The bushynose or bristlenose pleco come from rivers and tributaries of South American, with the wild type being brown with a molting of lighter areas. Planet fish is one of my Hobby Blog that mainly focuses on fishes and aquatic animals. In a variety of conditions Bristlenose Plecos does well. The Starlight Bristlenose Pleco is by far our favorite personal variation of that fish. These species are all in the Ancistrus genus, and they’re rarely differentiated. Best Low And Medium Light Aquarium Plants, Dwarf Hairgrass: Planting, Carpeting, And Care, Quick Facts About Bristlenose Plecostomus, Bristlenose Tank Set-up and Habitat Requirements, Ultimate Bristlenose Breeding Tank: Equipment and Supply List, They are one of the few species of plecostomus that, Aquatic specialty shops typically prefer to use the, It’s not unusual for wild catfish to freely interbreed and produce. Here’s a complete list for a breeding tank with 4 fish (1 male and 3 females): As you can see, there’s a ton of reasons to consider adding a bristlenose catfish to your planted freshwater community. It has a broader head, much shorter, fatter, and more flatter than the Common Pleco. They are often referred to as bushynose or bristlenose plecos in the aquarium hobby instead, but this can lead to confusion as “pleco” is usually used for Hypostomus plecostomus and its allies and is often used as a catchall term for any loricariids that are remotely similar to that species. Also known as the Bushy nose Pleco, these easy to care for tropical freshwater fish are perfect for beginner aquarists, and advanced aquarists alike. You can also make out a marbled and spotted pattern of faint light. This is an eye-catching type of pleco that’s highly sought-after in … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Longfin Bristlenose Pleco is known for being somewhat bigger than the average Bristlenose Pleco. Bristlenose Plecos are pretty easy to breed but before we look at how to breed them, there are a few things to note. Works well in communities with non-aggressive fish, but may also thrive when kept with smaller semi-aggressive species like barbs and South American cichlids. Plecos are not difficult to breed and won’t need any special breeding tank or additive to initiate mating. But unlike most species of catfish, they don’t thrive on a high protein diet, which can lead to bloating and other health problems. Sailfin Pleco. Some species of Plecos feature both males and females with these bristles, ones such as bushy nosed or bristle nose Plecos. Are you looking for a hardy, easy to care for freshwater fish that also doubles as part of the aquarium’s clean-up crew? Bristlenose Plecostomus. Coloring is typically brown, gray, or black mottled. Some popular domesticated varieties or morphs include the Common, Albino, Calico, Starlight, Lemon, Super Red, Blue Eye and Longfin bristlenose. What makes the Pleco so neat Longfin Bristlenose is right throughout the name. Then, he will wait for a woman. This aids them in gathering the eggs. Scavenger will readily consume leftover food scraps and live treats such as brine shrimp, Peaceful, mellow, shy; male fish are territorial and may fight with each other if there’s not enough room in the tank, 25-30 gallons per male; allow an additional 10-gallons per female for a group, Prefers very clean water with a moderate to high flow rate along the bottom of the tank, Egglayer; male protects and cares for the eggs until they hatch. Bristlenose plecos come from South America, as do most loricariid species. For species of Plecos where only males grow these bristles, well, only the males grow them, so that is fairly self-explanatory. You can keep a single catfish or a mixed-gender group in your community tank. Snowball Pleco. It is not recommended that you house two males together as they become extremely territorial and competitive with other species of similar shape. The most defining feature of this fish is the bushy appendages of the nose which sprout from their snouts. This is another very popular option that seems to love the freshwater aquarists. Developed over time from natural color variants, this fish sports a vibrant, uniform red-orange colouration. Green Dragon Bristlenose Pleco. They are very peaceful with dissimilar species, but are quite territorial towards other plecos. That includes a body covered with bony plates and a suckermouth ventral. On top of both dorsal and caudal fins rests a thin white stripe. Consider making some changes to the filter and aeration to ensure your fish can remain healthy. Third, you should provide the males with plenty of caves and driftwood to pick the best spawn site possible. Tankarium is reader-supported. Not only will you provide them with fibrous matter by putting a piece of driftwood in your tank, but you’ll also create another space where algae can grow for them to eat. 12 Different Types of Plecos (With Pictures) 1. The Bristlenose Pleco is one of the smallest catfish, growing to only 3 to 5 inches. Once you have the tank all set up, it’s time to make sure the water conditions are right for the tank! Bristlenoses are nocturnal fish, and you should be sure that they have plenty of hiding places to rest in during the daytime. They look fierce, with their bushy tentacles and armored body plates, but they’re an ideal algae eater for peaceful community tanks! 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). This Bristlenose Pleco has long, free-flowing fins. Plecostomus Types (Species) To date more than 150 different species of Plecos have been discovered, however, not all of them should be kept in an aquarium. Their tentacle development is the key way to spot male vs female bristlenose catfish, however: These catfish usually survive in aquariums for about 12 years on average. Bristlenose Plecos has a mouth which is at the bottom of their bodies. Another nice thing about this species is the covering of their bodies in bony plates. They ‘re doing well under a variety of tank conditions. This is another sleek variation that gives the viewing a very textured look. The male will claim a cave, and will prepare and clean its egg-ready surfaces. So, if you have more than one male, you should provide as many caves as possible. You may want to check out this article on. © Derek Ramsey. These small plecos do well in tanks 25-gallons and up. This definitely stands out in your tank significantly, no matter what other fish you have with it in there! And get notified everytime we publish a new blog post. Another requirement for bristlenose plecos, is the specific diet. Rarer varieties and morphs include: It’s very easy to spot the differences between male and female fish once they’ve reached maturity around their first birthday. It’s a little bit plumper and shorter too. All Bristlenose Plecos have the “Bristles.” They ‘re a lot more prominent in males though. Learn how your comment data is processed. Younger Plecos are likely to encounter some health issues when the pH balance gets off. This fish has a mind-blowing pattern and colouration! Their strong pectoral and abdominal fins help them navigate along the bottom of the tank: Bushynose catfish are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Those creatures are generally quite hardy. Your email address will not be published. It’s best to use a soft substrate in a bristlenose tank, rather than sharp or harsh gravels. In a male cave, more than one female may lay eggs. This fish is an albino variant of the renowned Plecostomus species Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus) which is also known by the nomenclatures Bristlenose catfish, Bushynose catfish. Copyright All rights reserved | Engineered by Praful Kharade. They spend most of their time at the tank bottom, or sucking at the glass side or at the edges. The first one is called the Gold Marble Bristlenose Catfish, also known as Ancistrus claro. Ideal for planted tanks but will snack on them, so provide a mix of fast-growing treats like hornwort and slower-growers like Amazon Sword. Male bristlenose may also have tiny spines on their pectoral or dorsal fins, but the number and location of the spines vary across the different species. Occasionally rushing to the surface for air is not unusual for this fish, but if you notice this is a frequent thing, it may indicate that there is too much ammonia and nitrates in the water, or not enough oxygen. The first thing that you need to be able to determine is who is male and female. While there are more than 150 species of armored catfish, one of the most prevalent in the aquarium trade is the “original” or Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus). In that case, you’d probably have to transfer the eggs to a breeding tank if you wanted to raise fry, since the community would eat ‘em. Probably one of the most commonly available plecos in the aquarium industry. The Bristlenose pleco or Catfish is one of the smallest catfish in the aquarium, and will grow to an average of 3-5 inches. Because of its light yellow and pink body colour, you can easily recognize the Albino Bristlenose Pleco. Butterfly Pleco. In this article, you are going to learn everything about taking proper care of a Bristlenose Pleco. Three species (troglobites) are true cavefish: A. cryptophthalmus, A. Galani, A. Formoso, formoso. The Calico ‘s body is mostly orange with some black, shadowy patches dispersed around it. Thanks for your support! You should feed them with tablets specifically developed for herbivores such as sinking algae pellets or wafers at the bottom of the dwelling. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Second, breeding of this species typically occurs during the rainy season of the Amazon in the cooler winter months. If you’re buying a standard size aquarium, consider getting a long breeder tank for your pleco community. They grow very fast, and they’ll be almost as big as their parents by about 6 months of age.