✅ We now offer tank-raised classic bristlenose pleco! The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus "Longfin"), also known as the Bushynose or Bushymouth Pleco, is a member of the Loricariidae family of South American suckermouth catfishes ✅ While many suckermouth catfish species have yet to be bred on any major scale in aquariums, the Bristlenose pleco is one of the most easily and often-bred “pleco” species in the aquarium hobby, and many popular color morphs have been developed. This fish is immediately distinguishable by the growth of many bristle-like appendages on its facial area beginning in sub-adulthood ✅ Both sexes grow the appendages, but the growth and length is much more pronounced in males. A generally peaceful and hardy species, the Bristlenose Pleco is an excellent, undemanding candidate for most aquariums. Unlike the widely-seen Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus), which easily reach a monstrous size of 18 to 20+ inches (45 to 51+ centimeters), the Longfin Bristlenose Pleco grows to a size of only 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 centimeters ✅ Both sexes grow the appendages, but the growth and length is much more pronounced in males. This longfin variety is exceptionally elegant and unique with the combination of its facial “bristles” and extra long fins, which give it a “dragon-like” appearance ✅ This smaller size makes for a much more manageable (and less messy) pleco that can thrive permanently in a well-maintained aquarium as small as 30 to 40 gallons. Male plecos may be somewhat territorial with other males of their species, but disputes can usually be diffused by providing ample territory and hiding places for each fish. All other tankmates will be generally ignored, although it is possible that small shrimp fry might fall prey to the Bristlenose Pleco. However, some large-scale shrimp suppliers breed Bristlenose Plecos in the same pools they use for shrimp breeding ✅ The Bristlenose Pleco is primarily nocturnal, but will often become active during daytime hours once established in an aquarium with plenty of driftwood, rockwork, and other hiding places ✅ It is not known to eat wood heavily like some plecos (Panaque sp., etc.), but it may benefit from some supplementary wood (or bio-film on driftwood). The Bristlenose Pleco will not bother most plants, but it will eat plenty of algae in the aquarium, especially as a juvenile. Feed the Bristlenose Pleco a diet heavy in vegetable matter, including high-quality vegetable flakes, sinking algae wafers and pellets ✅ It is not known to eat wood heavily like some plecos (Panaque sp., etc.), but it may benefit from some supplementary wood (or bio-film on driftwood). The Longfin Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco will not bother most plants, but it will eat plenty of algae in the aquarium, especially as a juvenile ✅ It will also appreciate being fed some fresh vegetables such as shelled peas, spinach, zucchini and cucumber. Occasional meaty foods such as bloodworms are also beneficial when fed sparingly live fish live fish for aquarium live shrimp cherry shrimp exotic freshwater live fish live aquarium fish shrimp live shrimp tank live shrimp freshwater aquarium ghost shrimp live fish live live freshwater fish freshwater shrimp freshwater fish live fish freshwater neocaridina shrimp live live daphnia live fish fish tank decor live aquarium plants aquarium plants live live aquarium plants freshwater live fish for aquarium java moss buy live fish aquatic plants aquarium plants live freshwater live shrimp live goldfish live fish for ponds exotic freshwater live fish guppies fish live fish pond live plants for fish tank freshwater live aquarium fish java moss live plant for aquarium live guppies java fern live snails aquarium live plants fish tank plants live shrimp live pond plants live live fish store shrimp tank pet fish live shrimp freshwater aquarium java fern live plant for aquarium guppy grass fish live live catfish snails live plants for aquarium live freshwater fish freshwater shrimp aquarium plant aquarium moss guppies snails for fish tank freshwater freshwater aquarium plants nerite snails live fish for sale biorb decor freshwater fish live fish freshwater biorb fish tank guppy fish aquarium live plants freshwater