Green Dragon Bristlenose Pleco

Green Dragon Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp)

The Green Dragon Bristlenose Pleco carries a unique allure with its distinctive greenish hue. Ranging from a pale, almost translucent green to a darker, more vibrant shade, this variant adds a touch of mystique and intrigue to your aquarium.

One of its most distinctive features is the bristle-like appendages found on the snout, which are more prominent in males. The adult size of the Bristlenose Pleco ranges from 4 to 6 inches, making it a suitable choice for a variety of tank sizes.

In terms of personality, the Bristlenose Pleco is a peaceful and hardy fish. It is nocturnal, often hiding during the day and becoming more active at night. Despite its peaceful nature, it can be territorial with other bottom-dwelling fish, especially those of the same species.

The Bristlenose Pleco is not a schooling or shoaling fish, and it is best to keep only one in a tank unless it is large enough to provide multiple territories. Ideal tank mates for this fish include peaceful species such as Tetras, Guppies, and Mollies. Keeping them with large, aggressive fish like some Cichlids or other larger Plecos is not advisable.

The Bristlenose Pleco is an omnivore with a preference for algae. It will graze on the algae growth in the tank, but its diet should also be supplemented with algae wafers, fresh vegetables such as blanched squash, spinach, cucumber, zucchini, green beans, peas, and even sliced carrots, and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or brine shrimp.

The ideal habitat for a Bristlenose Pleco is a well-decorated aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. They appreciate a substrate of fine sand or smooth gravel, along with driftwood for them to rasp on. Live plants, smooth rocks, and caves are also appreciated for providing cover. Resilient and rapidly growing plants such as Java fern, Java moss, Amazon sword, and wisteria make excellent decorative choices. Their robust nature ensures they remain firmly anchored in the substrate, even when the fish are rummaging for food. They can handle a wide range of water conditions but need well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong currents. The lighting should be moderate to mimic their natural habitat in the Amazon River.

In terms of water parameters, the Bristlenose Pleco requires a minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons due to its adult size and activity level. A tank of at least 40 gallons for a community aquarium is recommended to provide ample space for all inhabitants. The ideal pH range for this fish is between 5.5 and 7.5. The water hardness should be within the range of 2 to 15 dGH, and a temperature of 70-80°F (21-27°C).