Albino Longfin Bristlenose Pleco L144a

The Longfin Albino Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus), also known as the Albino 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 Longfin Bristlenose Pleco is one of the most easily- and often-bred “pleco” species in the aquarium hobby and many popular color morphs, such as this variety, have been developed. This fish is immediately distinguishable by its highly variable pink and yellow marbled pattern as well as 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 Longfin Albino 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+ cm), the Longfin Albino Bristlenose Pleco grows to a size of only 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm). 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 Albino Bristlenose Pleco.