The Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp. “Super Red”)

The Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp. “Super Red”), 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 Super Red Bristlenose Pleco is being propogated by a few commercial breeders. Its facial area becomes adorned with many bristle-like appendages beginning in sub-adulthood. Both sexes grow the appendages, but the growth and length is much more pronounced in males. This “super red” variant has a yellowish appearance as a juvenile, but both males and females develop very deep red-orange coloration as they mature.

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS: 

• pH level range: 6.5 – 7.5 (flexible as long as sudden changes are avoided.)
• Temperature range: 22° – 30° C
• KH: 6 – 10 dKH
• Minimum tank size: 60l

CARE GUIDELINES:

• Diet: Omnivorous, but meatier foods should only be fed sparingly
• Social behavior: Generally solitary, but will socialize somewhat, especially during breeding.
• Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to South America.
• Average adult size: 10 – 15 cm
• Average purchase size: 3 to 4 cm