Description
The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus) originates in South America, mainly in the fast-flowing waters of the Amazon River Basin.
It is one of the smallest catfish, growing to only 5 inches. They are brown, green, or gray with white or yellow spots; some have uneven coloring, with lighter and darker splotches on various parts of their bodies.
They do well in a tank of 20 gallons or larger and can handle a wide range of water conditions from soft and acidic to harder and alkaline. Water temperature should be kept around 73-80 degrees Fahrenheit with a pH of 6.5—7.5, Ensure water hardness is less than 200 ppm.
Because they are bottom dwellers, make sure to provide plenty of driftwood, roots, plants, and caves for them to hide in during the day. They are nocturnal and prefer to do their eating mostly at night.
