Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size5.5"
Minimum tank30 gal
Temperamentsemi_aggressive
Group1+
- temperature72-80F
- pH6.2-7.8
- water_hardnessGH 4-18 dGH | KH 2-10 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetycaution
- algae_eating_rolesupplemental grazer
- beginner_suitabilityintermediate
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Bristlenose Pleco, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the bottom zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesSmall but messy pleco; manageable for community tanks if filtration, diet, and territory are planned for.
- caveatProduces meaningful waste despite being smaller than the common pleco — plan for strong filtration and consistent water changes.
- caveatNeeds driftwood, caves, and a vegetable/algae-based diet (zucchini, blanched veg, algae wafers); will not thrive on tank algae alone.
- caveatNot a substitute for tank maintenance — pleco activity does not replace gravel/glass cleaning or water changes.
- caveatAdult males defend a cave and can be territorial toward other plecos and bottom-dwellers; provide one cave per male and avoid stocking multiple males in a small footprint.
- caveatAdult shrimp may be ignored in a mature planted tank, but shrimplets, molting shrimp, or weak individuals can still be eaten; treat shrimp safety as caution.
- cleanup_cautionProduces meaningful waste; still needs vegetables and wood.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Bettagreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Malaysian Trumpet Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Nerite Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ramshorn Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Pond Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Horned Nerite Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Honey Gouramigreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Mystery Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Assassin Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->