Male Albino Bushynose Pleco (2.5-2.75”)

Scientific Name:

Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus (Albino morph)

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: 4.5 to 6 inches (10–15 cm)

• Lifespan: 5 to 10 years with proper care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum Tank Size: 20-30 gallons (75 liters) for a single adult/Pair. 40-75g is preferred if mixing with other fish and plecos
  

Water Parameters and Care:

• Temperature: 75–81°F (23–27°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Water Changes: 25–50% weekly

• Filtration: Strong biological and mechanical filtration recommended

• Aquascape: Provide plenty of hiding places using driftwood, caves, and rocks; live plants optional but appreciated

General Care:

• Hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for

• Active mostly at night or in dim light; benefits from subdued lighting

• Driftwood is especially important as it provides surfaces to graze biofilm and will aid digestion

Tankmates:

• Peaceful community fish such as:

  • Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Gouramis, Livebearers (guppies, mollies, etc.), Other small to medium sized plecos or bottom dwellers. They also do great with most small to medium sized cichlids if the sizes between the 2 are appropriate. 

• Avoid aggressive and large cichlid species as they may view the pleco as food

Diet:

• Primary diet: Herbivorous with omnivorous tendencies

• Foods:

  • Algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach, peas)

  • Sinking pellets/wafers. We reccomend Hikari algae wafers and Xtreme bottom wafers.

  • Occasional protein like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or shrimo

• Feed 5-6 times per week. Make sure to fast 1 day a week to avoid bloating

Overview:

Albino Bristlenose Plecos are a color morph of the popular Bristlenose Pleco, known for their bushy facial tentacles (especially in males) and pale, pinkish, white-gold coloration. They are ideal algae-eaters for peaceful aquariums and make great beginner fish due to their small size, hardy nature, and minimal aggression. Unlike Common Plecos (Hypostomus plecostomus), they stay small and manageable.

Natural Environment:

• Native Range: South America, primarily the Amazon Basin

• Habitat: Slow-moving streams and rivers with submerged wood and leaf litter

• These areas are rich in detritus, biofilm, and algae—mimicked in aquaria with wood, hiding spots, and stable water conditions

Breeding:

• Type: Cave spawners

• Sexing:

  • Males have longer and more developed facial bristles

  • Females are smaller with fewer to no bristles

• Breeding Setup:

  • Provide caves (ceramic, PVC, or rock) ~1.5-2" circumference 

  • Raise water temperature slightly (around 78–80°F)

  • Ensure high water quality and steady food supply

• Behavior:

  • Male guards the eggs and fry

  • Eggs hatch in ~4–10 days

  • Fry can be fed powdered algae wafers, baby brine shrimp, or blanched vegetables