common Bristlenose

The Common Bristlenose Catfish is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium catfish, valued for its hardy nature, peaceful temperament, manageable adult size, and distinctive appearance. Adults develop characteristic bristles around the snout, with mature males generally developing much more prominent bristles than females.

Bristlenose Catfish spend much of their time grazing across aquarium glass, driftwood, rocks, and decorations. While they can help control some types of soft algae, they still require a complete and varied diet and should never be expected to survive solely on algae within the aquarium.

Their relatively compact size makes them an excellent alternative to larger pleco species and suitable for many tropical community aquariums.

• Common Name: Common Bristlenose / Bristlenose Catfish
• Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp.
• Family: Loricariidae
• Adult Size: Approximately 10–15 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: Approximately 75 litres+
• Temperature: Approximately 22–28°C
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Diet: Omnivorous with a strong preference for vegetable-based foods
• Aquarium Level: Bottom dwelling
• Activity: Most active during the evening and overnight
• Lifespan: Approximately 5–10+ years with appropriate care

Feeding

Provide a varied diet consisting of quality algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, sinking catfish pellets, and suitable vegetables such as zucchini and green beans.

Occasional protein-rich foods can also be provided as part of a balanced diet. Feeding shortly before or after the aquarium lights are turned off can help ensure your Bristlenose receives enough food.

Although they regularly graze on aquarium surfaces, Bristlenose Catfish should not be purchased solely as an algae-cleaning solution.

Aquarium Care

Provide plenty of hiding areas using caves, driftwood, rocks, and live plants. Driftwood is an excellent addition to a Bristlenose aquarium, providing natural grazing surfaces, shelter, and environmental enrichment.

Good filtration and regular partial water changes are important, as Bristlenose Catfish can produce a considerable amount of waste.

They are generally compatible with a wide variety of peaceful tropical community fish. Mature males can become territorial towards other Bristlenose, particularly when competing for caves, so provide multiple hiding areas when keeping several individuals.

Breeding

Common Bristlenose are popular with aquarium breeders and will often reproduce readily when provided with suitable conditions.

Males typically select and defend a cave. After spawning, the male guards and fans the eggs until they hatch and may continue protecting the young until they become free-swimming.

Providing appropriately sized breeding caves, good water quality, and a nutritious diet can help encourage successful breeding.

Shipping

• Australia-wide shipping available where permitted
• Fish are carefully packed for safe transport
• Local pickup available by appointment from Fins 'N' Feathers
• Shipping availability may depend on destination, weather conditions, fish size, and applicable biosecurity restrictions

Live Arrival

Please inspect livestock immediately upon arrival. If there is an issue with your order, contact us as soon as possible in accordance with our live arrival policy and provide clear photos of the fish in its unopened transport bag where applicable.

Actual size, colour, pattern, and bristle development may vary between individual fish due to age, sex, genetics, stress, and environmental conditions.