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Basics

Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp.

Family: Loricariidae

Origin: Tank raised, species from South America

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lifespan: 10-15 years average, 20-30 possible
• Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.4
• Maximum Size: 3"- 4.5"
• Diet: Omnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Overview

The Bristlenose Plecostomus is also frequently called the Bushynose Plecostomus. This species comes in a variety of colorations and fin types. The longfin variant has long, streaming fins, and albinos are white or pale yellow in color with red pupils. As they age and gain size, short, whisker like appendages will grow from their nose. These help them to "smell" food and give them their name. 

Like most other plecos, they require driftwood and rockwork with plenty of secluded hiding places to reduce stress. They can be housed with a wide variety of community fish and even more aggressive fish. They are not picky eaters and can be fed a variety of foods; they will eat leftovers from their tankmates, algae, and also can be supplemented with algae wafers and other herbivorous preparations. 

They are easy to breed and will spawn in captivity without much effort on the aquarist's part.