Bristlenose Pleco Care Guide
Ancistrus cirrhosus
The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus spp.), also known as the Bushynose Pleco or Bristlenose Catfish, is a peaceful freshwater catfish recognized by the distinctive bristles that develop around its snout. Smaller than many other plecos, they are popular community fish that spend much of their time grazing on surfaces and sheltering among driftwood, rocks, and caves. Bristlenose Plecos come in numerous species and aquarium-bred varieties, including Albino, Super Red, Calico, Longfin, and Black-Eyed Yellow forms. More specialized varieties include fish identified by L-numbers, such as the sought-after L183 Starlight Bristlenose (Ancistrus dolichopterus), along with L181, L182, and L184 Ancistrus. L-numbers are identification codes used in the aquarium hobby for loricariid catfish, particularly when a fish entered the trade before receiving a confirmed scientific name. An L-number therefore identifies a particular form or species and isn't simply a color or pattern designation. One thing I would not do in this guide is call the common Bristlenose itself “L144.” The original L144 designation referred to a particular wild form, while many yellow Bristlenose sold as “L144” today are actually captive-bred color strains.
- Care
- Easy
- Tank
- 20+ gal
- Nature
- Peaceful
