FishCompat
Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus) in a freshwater aquarium

Callichthyidae

Bristlenose Pleco

Ancistrus cirrhosus

Bristlenose Plecos are beginner-level peaceful aquarium residents that reach about 5.1 in. Bristlenose Plecos spend most of their time near the substrate and usually ignore mid-water fish. Avoid sharp gravel and very aggressive tank mates.

Compatible53 compatible21 caution5 avoid

Quick Stats

Tank

30+ gal

pH

6.5-7.8

Temp

72-81F

Size

5.1 in

Temperament

Peaceful

Care

Beginner

Swim Level

Bottom

Group

Solo or pair

Bristlenose Pleco Care Guide

The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus) is a beginner-level freshwater aquarium resident from South America. It reaches about 5.1 inches and should be kept in tanks of at least 30 gallons.

Keep water near pH 6.5-7.8, temperature 72-81F, and hardness 2-15 dH. Feed omnivore, sinking wafers, frozen food with 1-2 small feedings daily.

Bristlenose Plecos spend most of their time near the substrate and usually ignore mid-water fish. Avoid sharp gravel and very aggressive tank mates.

See all tank mates for Bristlenose Pleco

Top Compatible Tank Mates

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Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) in a freshwater aquarium

Amano Shrimp

Size 1.6 inpH 6.5-7.8
Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) in a freshwater aquarium

Angelfish

Size 5.9 inpH 6.5-7.5
Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in a freshwater aquarium

Bamboo Shrimp

Size 1.6 inpH 6.5-7.8
Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) in a freshwater aquarium

Black Neon Tetra

Size 1.6 inpH 5.5-7.5
Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) in a freshwater aquarium

Boesemani Rainbowfish

Size 4.3 inpH 7-8
Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) in a freshwater aquarium

Bolivian Ram

Size 3.1 inpH 6-7.5
Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) in a freshwater aquarium

Bronze Corydoras

Size 2.8 inpH 6-7.5
Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) in a freshwater aquarium

Cardinal Tetra

Size 2 inpH 4.8-6.8

Use Caution With

Apistogramma (Apistogramma cacatuoides) in a freshwater aquarium

Apistogramma

Size 3.1 inpH 5.5-7.5
Betta (Betta splendens) in a freshwater aquarium

Betta

Size 2.8 inpH 6.5-7.8
Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) in a freshwater aquarium

Black Skirt Tetra

Size 2.4 inpH 6-7.5
Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) in a freshwater aquarium

Buenos Aires Tetra

Size 2.8 inpH 6.5-8

Species To Avoid

African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) in a freshwater aquarium

African Dwarf Frog

Size 0.8 inpH 6.5-7.8
Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a freshwater aquarium

Axolotl

Size 0.4 inpH 6.8-8
Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) in a freshwater aquarium

Common Pleco

Size 17.7 inpH 6.5-7.8
Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) in a freshwater aquarium

Pea Puffer

Size 1 inpH 6.8-7.8