Scientific name: Ancistrus triradiatus

Common name: Bristlenose pleco

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 12 cm (3.94 - 4.72 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 6.2 - 7.7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 29 °C (73.4 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Main diet of Bristlenose pleco consists of vegetable matter and algae but they will adapt to a wide variety of foods, they also love a treat of blood worms.

Origin

Originally Bristlenose pleco’s came from the Amazon River basins in South America but the albino varieties being sold usually originate from Asian fish farms.

Sexing

Very easy to sex, the females will have small bristles around the edge of her chin, with the males the bristles will be larger and extend right to the top of the head.

Breeding

Bristlenose pleco’s are a fairly easy species to breed, add caves or PVC piping to the tank, the Bristle nose will use these as spawning sites. The male will induce the female to the spawning site and once the eggs have been laid he will take on the duties of guarding them. The eggs should hatch after 4-6 days and the fry will be free swimming a few days later.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan of Ancistrus triradiatus is 14 years.

Short description

Bog wood must be added to the tank when keeping Bristlenose pleco; they will gnaw at it as part of their diet. Males will become territorial as they mature so it is best to keep one fish of each sex.