Common/Black Bristlenose Plecos/Catfish (Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus). Amazing aquatic creatures that are beautiful as well as helpful with cleaning your aquarium.
Scientific name: Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Common name: Common/Black Bristlenose Pleco/Catfish
Difficulty level: Easy
Species Origin: South AmericaBreed Type: Egg Layer
Requirements For Keeping And Breeding Common/Black Bristlenose Plecos/Catfish In Your Home Aquarium.Bristlenose Pleco/Catfish Requirements:
As with the majority of pleco species, a larger aquarium is advised to keep and/or breed Bristlenose Plecos/Catfish and a setup of at least 20L should be sufficient for juveniles however at least 60L is recommended for adults or breeding. It is possible to keep them in even smaller tanks, however, this will become a lot more difficult to keep your parameters stable and fluctuations may occur so this is not recommended. All aquariums should be filtered and cycled (PRIOR TO INTRODUCTION OF LIVESTOCK). A heater is not always necessary if your aquarium is located in a heated room, although is highly recommended to make sure the temperature remains stable. All fish feel safest and will live longer when plenty of hiding places and live plants are present in their aquarium.
Bristlenose Pleco/Catfish Water Quality:
Bristlenose Plecos/Catfish, are not too demanding when it comes to water quality and will do well in a wide range of water parameters. Be sure to NEVER introduce them into an uncycled tank, as they are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, and keep water parameters as stable as possible. Water quality can be tested using a liquid test kit; test regularly to make sure everything is still in order. Be sure to do regular water changes to keep nitrates in check.
Recommended pH: 7.0-8.0
Temperature: 23-28 °C
gH: 4-12
kH: 4 - 8
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 200-600
Bristlenose Pleco/Catfish Tank Mates:
Bristlenose Plecos/Catfish, like other plecos, can be territorial as adults. So be sure to have plenty of hides/caves and driftwood to avoid fighting. If a fight begins generally it will be at feeding time and will end shortly after with one or both plecos retreating. They will very rarely harm any tank mates but will become more aggressive when breeding.
Suggested tank mates for Community Aquarium include - Guppies, Endlers, Tetras, Rasboras, Bettas, Gouramis, Snails, Shrimp, Corydoras, Ottocinclus, Apistogrammas, Rams, Rainbowfish, Most African and American Cichlids, Ect...
Bristlenose Plecos/Catfish Diet:
In the wild, the Bristlenose Pleco's ancestors will eat anything it can find; its diet consists mostly of algae, driftwood, and leaf litter. In the aquarium, Bristlenose Plecos/Catfish will also feed on algae and other organic material, but their diet will usually have to be supplemented. Algae wafers can be used as a staple. They will also accept blanched vegetables, frozen foods, and all kinds of sinking fish foods. As well as sunken Cattapa leaves and other similar botanicals
Breeding Bristlenose Plecos/Catfish:
Breeding Bristlenose Plecos/Catfish is reasonably easy. As long as water parameters are in order, their diet is sufficient and you have plenty of caves/hides for your pair or colony they should breed every couple of weeks - months.