Albino Bristlenose Pleco Ancistrus

Overview

The Albino Bristlenose is a pale cream to pinkish colour form of the common bristlenose catfish, with red eyes and the same bushy snout tentacles on mature males. The aquarium strain is commercially bred, descended from Ancistrus stock of the Paraná and Amazon basins. A hardy algae-grazer, it suits almost any peaceful community tank.

• Adult Size: Around 10–12 cm (4–5 in); males slightly larger
• Lifespan: 5–10 years

Origin

• Native to: South America; aquarium strain is captive-bred
• Habitat: Fast, oxygen-rich streams with wood and rock

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, mainly herbivorous
• Preferred Foods: Algae wafers, courgette, cucumber, spinach, sinking pellets, occasional bloodworm
• Feeding Habits: Feed nightly after lights out; always provide driftwood to rasp; remove uneaten vegetables

Tank Mates

• Best with: Tetras, rasboras, corydoras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, gouramis
• Avoid: Large aggressive cichlids, goldfish, fish that harass bottom dwellers

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful
• Territoriality: Males defend caves against other males; otherwise ignores tank mates

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Needs vegetable food, bogwood, caves and clean, oxygenated water

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
• Temperature: 21–26°C (70–79°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 2–15 dGH
• Flow: Moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 60 litres for one or a pair

Final Notes

Algae alone will not sustain it, so feed vegetables and wafers regularly and include bogwood, which aids digestion. Cave spawner: the male guards eggs and fry, and pairs breed readily in mature tanks. Males develop prominent head bristles and pectoral odontodes; females carry few or none. Mostly nocturnal and unbothered by dim light. An undemanding, useful and endearing catfish for beginners upwards.