Bristlenose Plecos are a kind of bottom tropical fish that feeds on algae in your tank. There are several types of Bristlenose pleco, including some distinctive colors and others dressed in costumes.
Most aquarists think Bristlenose plecos are exciting and unique, but others think they are odd and creepy. But among the fish in Bristlenos, there are some types which you will like most.
So, let’s start with the question- What are the types of Bristlenose Pleco?
Here we will discuss Longfin Bristlenose Pleco, which has different color variations. Another type is Albino Bristlenose Pleco. Its highly variable pink and yellow marbled pattern distinguishes it from the others. Lastly, The super red Bristlenose is a selectively bred variant with a primarily orange and light red body all around.
Now, my friend, we are just getting started-
To know more about these fish types, we would like you to read along with the article!
Three types of Bristlenose Pleco [Along with Details]
1. Longfin Bristlenose Pleco
With different color variations, the Bristlenose Pleco is comparatively longer than other common Bristlenose Pleco, which gives it a hypnotic swinging motion. It is not different from other types if you are talking about Longfin Bristlenose maintains.
The Longfin Bristlenose Pleco prefers an aquarium with lots of driftwood, rockwork, and hiding places. This fish would consume a lot of algae in the aquarium. However, meaty foods can be fed to them but, too much meat/animal protein in its diet can be harmful to this fish.
Size: 4 to 6 inches
Diet: Scavenger
Food: Algae, Uneaten food
Temperature: 72° – 86° F (22° – 30° C)
PH: 6.5-7.5
Tank size: 30 gallons
2. Albino Bristlenose Pleco
The Albino Bristlenose Pleco is also the most popular type of Pleco. Its highly variable pink and yellow marbled pattern distinguishes it from the others. This smaller size is ideal for community tanks and makes a much more middle management pleco, which can thrive permanently in a well-maintained aquarium. This fish also prefers to hide in driftwood, rockwork, and other hiding places, and it will eat a lot of algae in the aquarium.
Size: 4 to 5 inches
Diet: Omnivorous, but meatier foods should only be fed sparingly
The super red Bristlenose is a selectively bred variant with a primarily orange and light red body all around. The Super Red Bristlenose Pleco grows to only 4 to 5.9 inches in length and can live for up to 12 years in various habitats.
Most plants will not be bothered by the Super Red Bristlenose Pleco, but it will eat many algae, adding some fresh vegetables like shelled peas, spinach, zucchini, and cucumber. Blood worms, meat, and animal protein can be fed, but only in small amounts. Bristlenose also prefers driftwood, rockwork, and other hiding places.
Size: 4 to 5.9 inches
Diet: Omnivorous, but meatier foods should only be fed sparingly
Temperature range: 72° – 86° F (22° – 30° C)
pH level range: 6.5 – 7.5
Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
How to care Bristlenose Pleco
1. Add perfect Tank
Bristlenose pleco fish prefer 20-30 gallon of water in their aquarium. This is the minimum size. On the other hand, since you will add them in the community tank so with other fish, plecos will produce more waste into the water. You’ll be better off going with a larger tank to reduce more risk.
3. Add Air-Pumps and Filter machine
If the water isn’t well filtered, the water quality will break down quickly in the presence of waste, and it is negatively affecting your Pleco fish.
So you have a great option to provide air-pumps and a filter machine for well water, and the pumps will help create a lot of water flow with a lot of oxygen throughout your tank.
4. Add Live plant and some ornaments
When you put Bristlenose Pleco in your aquarium, you must add live silk plants and most decorative ornaments, such as cgalloaves and castles. Since Bristlenose prefers to hide and stay in dark places so this is important.
On the other hand, we advise against using artificial plants because they can scratch your fish’s silk skin, whereas live plants help to create a natural, healthy environment for your fish.
5. Check regularly water temperature and acidity
You must ensure that the tank has the proper water conditions. Your Bristlenose Plecos will thrive in temperatures ranging from 73-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23-27 degrees Celsius), with a pH of 6.5 – 7.5. So buy a thermometer to check the water temperature.
Fish produce a lot of waste in aquariums, as well as a lot of ammonia and nitrates in the water are created by them. So don’t forget to keep a filter machine in your tank to keep the water clean and oxygenated.
6. Feed perfect items and maintain the schedule
You might be surprised that Bristlenose Pleco fish are sold as algae eaters, but some species are carnivorous and feed on carrion in the wild. You can provide them with lettuce, zucchini, spinach, shelled peas, and cucumbers.
Feed your pleco fruit or vegetables once or twice a week, cutting the vegetables into small pieces before adding them to your tank and placing the vegetable in the tank’s bottom.
7. Add perfect tank mates
Bristlenose Pleco is pretty peaceful and can be kept in a community tank. You can add Neon Tetras, Platy fish, Guppys, Bettas, Cichlids, and more with your Bristlenose.
On the other hand, adding aggressive fish that attack them regularly will only lead to stress-related health issues. We also recommended not to add more than one male in a single aquarium.
FAQs
Question: Why do Plecos change color?
Answer: There are two main reasons why your pleco would change colors like this. 1) He’s stressed due to a lack of hiding places, poor water conditions, the fact that he’s still adjusting to his new surroundings, or the fact that his tank mates are picking on him. Or 2) He’s simply “blending in” with his surroundings.
Question: Do Pleco like lights?
Answer: Plecos are nocturnal, so the best time to feed them is right before turning off the light. This is the most effective method of preventing other fish from eating the Pleco’s food.
Question: How do I make my fish not stressed?
Answer: Keeping your fish as healthy as possible is another simple way to reduce stress in your tank. Aside from ensuring proper water chemistry and other tank parameters, the diet you feed your fish is critical to their overall health.
Take Away
Now, those are the details of the types of Bristlenose Pleco. As they differ from each other, they have their own ways of charm.
So, what do you think about the details about Bristlenose Plecos?
Share your answers and thoughts with us by leaving a comment. Good luck !!
