The bristlenose pleco (Ancistrus sp.) is a peaceful fish that grows to about 5 inches and spends its time near the bottom. It can be kept on its own, in a tank of 30 gallons or more, at 73–81°F and pH 6.5–7.5.
30 galsmallest tank
5″adult size
73–81°Ftemperature
6.5–7.5pH
1+group size
Peacefultemperament
Good tankmates
Avoid
- ✕White cloud mountain minnow: Bristlenose pleco and White cloud mountain minnow need different temperatures (73–81°F vs 60–72°F).
- ✕Rosy barb: Bristlenose pleco and Rosy barb need different temperatures (73–81°F vs 64–72°F).
- ✕Paradise fish: Paradise fish is aggressive and best kept alone.
- ✕Convict cichlid: Convict cichlid is aggressive and best kept alone.
- ✕Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and best kept alone.
- ✕Fancy goldfish: Bristlenose pleco and Fancy goldfish need different temperatures (73–81°F vs 65–72°F).
- ✕Comet goldfish: Bristlenose pleco and Comet goldfish need different temperatures (73–81°F vs 60–72°F).
- ✕Pea puffer: Pea puffer is aggressive and best kept alone.
From TankCoach's own species data: common hobby guidance for adults, rounded. Individual fish vary. Not veterinary advice.