🐠 Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) Care Guide

Difficulty: Beginner-FriendlySize: 4–5 inchesTemperament: Peaceful bottom-dwellerLifespan: 10–12 years

💧 Tank Setup

Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for one, 30+ for pairs.
Water Parameters: 72–80°F, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to medium-hard water.
Environment: Provide driftwood (they need it — it’s part of their digestion) and multiple hiding spots.
Lighting: Moderate; dim corners help them feel secure.
Filtration: Strong but gentle flow — they like oxygen-rich water.

💡 Pro Tip: Add cholla wood or almond leaves. They release tannins that reduce stress and promote natural grazing behavior.

🍽️ Diet

Staple: Algae wafers and high-quality sinking pellets.
Supplement: Fresh veggies — blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and sweet potato.
Protein Boost: Once a week, give frozen bloodworms or Repashy gel food.

💡 Lesser-Known Fact: They’re nocturnal eaters — feed after lights out for better nutrition and cleaner tanks.

🧬 Breeding Behavior

Type: Cave spawners.
Pairing: One male with a plump female — males have larger bristles on their heads.
Trigger: Slight temperature drop (2–3°F) and heavy feeding mimic rainy season conditions.
Caring for Eggs: The male guards eggs until hatching (4–6 days). Leave him alone — removing him too early risks fungus.

💡 Advanced Tip: Use pleco caves tilted slightly downward — males feel more secure guarding entrances.

🌿 Compatibility

Great with tetras, corydoras, rasboras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.Avoid housing with aggressive or fin-nipping species.

What’s your favorite veggie to feed your plecos — and how do you prepare it?

🥒 Do you blanch it, skewer it, or just drop it in raw? Share your method (and maybe a photo)!

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