Bristlenose Pleco [Interesting Facts, Diet, Habitat, Etc.]

Bristlenose Plecos, also known as Bushynose Plecos, Bristlenose Catfish, or Bushynose Catfish, belongs to the Ancistrus genus.

These fish are part of the Loricariidae family and the Siluriformes order. They are originally from freshwater areas in South America and Panama.

They are quiet popular in aquarium trade due to their docile nature. These fish are nocturnal by nature.

They are commonly called Bristlenose Plecos or Bushynose Plecos in the aquarium trade.

However, this can be confusing because “pleco” is usually a term for Hypostomus plecostomus and similar fish.

It’s also a general term for any fish that looks like them.

There are at least 59 known species of bristlenose genus, and more that haven’t been named yet.

Both males and females have long whisker-like structures on their noses, but the males have longer ones.

Bristlenose Pleco Interesting Facts

Bristlenose pleco is a type of freshwater fish native to South America and Panama.
They are often called bushynose or bristlenose catfish in the aquarium trade, but this can be confusing because “pleco” usually refers to a different species.
The Bristlenose genus has at least 59 identified species, and there may be more unnamed ones out there.
Both male and female bristlenose plecos have long “bristles” on their nose, although males tend to have longer ones.

Bristlenose plecos are native to the freshwater rivers and floodplain regions of the Amazon Basin in South America. They are also found in Panama.

These fish prefer warm water with the temperature ranging between 72°F to 84°F (20°C to 27°C).

Size: 5 inches (13 centimeters)

Bristlenose pleco can grow up to 13 cm or 5 inches in length.

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Loricariidae
Genus:	Ancistrus
Scientific Name:	Ancistrus cirrhosus
Also Known As:	Bristlenose Catfish, Bushynose Catfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Bushynose Pleco
Conservation Status:	Unknown