(97) Longfin Bristlenose Pleco 1-2''

The Longfin Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus species), also known as the Longfin Brushmouth, is a peaceful and hardy freshwater catfish known for its impressive, flowing fins and algae-eating habits. It is a selective-bred variant of the standard bristlenose pleco and is a practical choice for many community aquariums due to its manageable adult size of 4 to 6 inches

• Tank size: A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single adult to provide adequate space for swimming and grazing.
• Substrate: Use a soft, sandy substrate or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive mouthparts and barbels.
• Filtration: A filter with moderate to strong flow and high capacity is beneficial, as plecos are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste.
• Water parameters:
  • Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature between 72°F and 86°F (22°C–30°C).
  • pH: A broad pH range of 6.5–7.5 is tolerated, but stable parameters are more important than an exact number.
  • Water changes: Regular water changes are essential to keep nitrate levels below 40 ppm.
• Decorations: Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers using caves, rocks, and driftwood. Driftwood is particularly important as it provides fiber for digestion. 

• Primary diet: Despite being algae-eaters, plecos cannot survive on algae alone. The core of their diet should consist of high-quality sinking algae wafers and pellets.
• Supplements: Supplement their diet with fresh vegetables such as blanched zucchini, spinach, or shelled peas.
• Protein: Offer occasional protein sources like bloodworms sparingly.
• Feeding schedule: Since they are primarily nocturnal, feeding them after turning off the tank lights ensures they get enough food. 

• Temperament: Longfin Bristlenose Plecos are generally peaceful and hardy. Males, however, can be territorial toward other plecos and bottom-dwellers, especially during breeding.
• Compatible companions: They are excellent additions to most community aquariums and can coexist peacefully with a wide variety of fish, including:
  • Tetras
  • Guppies
  • Angelfish
  • Rainbowfish
• Incompatible companions: Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species that might harass the pleco or damage its long, delicate fins. 

• Easy to breed: Breeding Longfin Bristlenose Plecos is straightforward and can be achieved in a home aquarium.
• Spawning behavior: The male will attract a female to a cave or other secluded area, where she will lay eggs.
• Parental care: The male will then guard and fan the eggs until they hatch, which usually occurs in about 4 to 5 days