Common Name: Bristlenose Pleco
Scientific Name: Ancistrus species
Origin: South America (Amazon basin and surrounding rivers)
Size: Usually 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in captivity, much smaller than common plecos
Lifespan: 5–10 years with good care
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🌱 Appearance
Flat body with bony plates for protection
Short whisker-like tentacles on the nose (more prominent in males)
Color: Usually brown, black, or gray with white or yellow spots
Males have larger and more branched bristles
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🏠 Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for one adult
Water Temp: 23–27 °C (73–80 °F)
pH: 6.5–7.5
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
Décor: Driftwood (they like to rasp on it), caves for hiding
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🍽 Diet
Mostly herbivorous
Eats algae from glass, rocks, and décor
Supplement with algae wafers, blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach
Occasionally accepts protein-rich food (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
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💡 Care Tips
Very peaceful, suitable for community tanks
Active mostly at night
Keep water clean and oxygenate
Avoid housing with aggressive fish that may nip at their fins
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