Species Snapshot
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Species Name: Ancistrus cirrhosis
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Common Names: Bristlenose catfish, bristlenose pleco
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Size: Up to 5 inches
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Lifespan: 5-10 years
A classic addition to the freshwater cleanup crew, the Plecostomus or pleco is a member of the armored catfish family Loricariidae. The family Loricariidae is the largest family of catfish, made up of nearly 700 species. Among them are dozens of species in the genus Ancistrus—species commonly known as bristlenose catfish or bristlenose plecos.
Though dozens of unique species have been identified, the one most commonly bred for the aquarium industry is Ancistrus cirrhosis. These catfish are similar in appearance to the common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) with one notable difference: the fleshy tentacles covering its snout which earned it the nickname bristlenose.
Background on the Albino Pleco
While many species of fish originally entered the aquarium trade as wild-caught specimens, those that remain popular are often tank-bred. Commercial breeding not only reduces the trafficking of wild specimens, but it creates opportunities for selective breeding. The albino pleco is a prime example.
Most plecos naturally exhibit neutral coloration, typically shades of brown, green, or gray. This coloring enables them to blend into the substrate and plant matter in their native habitats. The albino pleco, however, is all white in color—sometimes with a yellow or orange tint. Albino plecos may also have spots that give them a leopard-like appearance, giving them the appropriate name - Tiger Pleco.
This coloring is the result of a genetic mutation that prevents the fish’s cells from producing melanin (pigment). Albinism can occur in the wild but most of the albino plecos in the aquarium trade have been selectively bred.
Albino bristlenose plecos are particularly popular due to their unique anatomy and limited size. While common plecos can grow up to 20 inches long, albino bristlnenose plecos top out around 5 inches.  Albino bristlenose plecos can be just as territorial as common plecos—especially males of the species—but they are generally peaceful with smaller fish in community tank setups.
Albino Bristlenose Pleco Tank Setup
The origins of the species commonly known as the bristlenose catfish are up for debate but, generally speaking, Ancistrus catfish are native to South America. Here they inhabit freshwater habitats like rivers and floodplains where there’s plenty of plant matter to feed on and fine substrate to sift through.
In the home aquarium, an albino pleco setup should provide plenty of places for these nocturnal fish to hide during the day. This species can thrive in planted or unplanted tanks, though natural décor elements like driftwood and rockwork are preferred. Driftwood is an ideal substrate for algae to grow on, so it provides both cover and a food source for your fish. Albino plecos will feed on decaying plant matter but generally won’t harm live plants.
Tank Size
Albino plecos are less likely to outgrow their tank than common plecos but they still need plenty of space. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended. If you’re aiming for a heavily stocked community tank, go for the largest tank you can afford and accommodate.
Water Parameters
Because they’re commercially bred, most albino plecos in the aquarium trade are adaptable to a range of conditions. The most important thing is to acclimate your fish slowly and keep the tank parameters as stable as possible.
Here are the ideal water parameter ranges for this species:
- Temperature: 73°F to 80°F
- pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5
- Water Hardness: Up to 200 ppm
Though adaptable to various water parameters, albino bristlenose plecos prefer well-aerated water. Consider a filtration system that creates some kind of current or incorporate circulation pumps to produce flow.
Diet and Feeding Tips
Like most plecos, albino bristlenose plecos are herbivores. In the wild, they feed primarily on algae and decaying plant matter. They’ll do the same in a captive environment but it’s usually necessary to supplement their diet with commercial foods.
Offer your albino plecos sinking pellets or wafers formulated for herbivores (like algae wafers or spirulina pellets). Try to offer the food when your fish is most likely to be active and foraging—generally in the evening or at night. Your albino pleco will also appreciate blanched veggies like zucchini or spinach from time to time. You can even feed them protein-rich live or frozen foods like bloodworms once or twice a week.
Temperament and Tank Mates
Albino pleco temperament can vary depending on certain factors. These fish are generally peaceful in a community tank with small fish like tetras, danios, and livebearers. They may become territorial around fish of similar size or larger, especially males of the species. The best way to reduce albino pleco aggression is to keep only one male per tank and to provide plenty of hiding places for fish.
Breeding Albino Plecos
Albino bristlenose plecos are relatively easy to breed. It’s also not particularly difficult to tell the difference between males and females. While both sexes have fleshy tentacles on their snouts, males also have them on their heads. Male albino bristlenose plecos tend to be larger than females and develop spikes on their fins.
In a stable tank environment, albino plecos may breed readily with little intervention. If you’re starting with a group of juvenile fish, be sure to provide plenty of caves and other décor for the males to claim as territory as they mature.
Albino bristlenose plecos tend to breed seasonally but may breed outside the natural mating season in captivity. Their natural breeding season is during the rainy season, usually late fall. Performing a large water change with slightly cooler water (at least 50-75 percent of the tank volume) can help stimulate breeding activity.
When your albino plecos are ready to breed, the female will deposit her eggs on hard surfaces in the chosen male’s territory. The male will then guard the eggs until they hatch 5-10 days later. Newly hatched albino plecos will remain in place, absorbing the remainder of their yolk sac for a few days before they become free-swimming and start feeding on algae.
For all your Albino Pleco needs, along with other freshwater fish and supplies, visit Shrimpy Business today!