The Golden Bristlenose Plecostomus (Ancistrus sp.) is also known as the Bushy Nose Plecostomus.

Scientific Name:

Ancistrus sp.

Approximate purchase size:

1-2cm

How easy are they to care for?

With the correct sized aquarium and set up they are easy to care for. They require plenty of plants, driftwood, and caves. They prefer plenty of movement in the water in a tank of at least 30-55 gallons.

How large can they grow?

Up to 15cm

All Pond Solutions will always endeavor to supply as close to the approximate size range as possible.  Due to variations from suppliers on rare occasions, this may not always be possible. 

Where in the world are they from?

They are found in floodplain areas of the Amazon River Basin and elsewhere in South America.

What is the ideal number to keep together?

Due to the size that they grow up to, it depends on your tank, one is recommended for a 30-55 gallon tank.

What water conditions do they require?

A water temperature between 23 - 26 °C and a pH level between 6.5 – 7.4 is required.

What should you feed them?

They will eat the algae in an aquarium, but if there is no algae present they eat algae wafers or tablets, live blackworms, frozen bloodworms, mashed peas, spinach and other vegetables.

How compatible are they with other fish?

They are a peaceful community fish

Can they be bred in captivity?

They are easy to breed in captivity, they breed in caves and holes where the male and female will take dual care of eggs. The female can lay up to 200 eggs and they will hatch after 4-10 days. Once the fry are hatched and swimming they should be moved to a separate aquarium and fed mashed peas until they can eat algae.