{"product_id":"regular-bristlenose-catfish","title":"Bristlenose Catfish","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Bristlenose Catfish\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bristlenose Catfish is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the world, prized for its exceptional algae-eating ability, peaceful temperament, and hardy nature. Unlike the much larger Common Pleco, Bristlenose Catfish remain a manageable size, making them an ideal choice for community and planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNamed for the fleshy bristles that develop on the snout of mature males, Bristlenose Catfish spend much of their time grazing on algae, biofilm, driftwood, and aquarium surfaces. Their constant grazing helps keep aquariums clean while adding an interesting bottom-dwelling species to the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey thrive in aquariums with driftwood, caves, rocks, and plenty of hiding places. Although they are excellent algae eaters, they require a balanced diet consisting of algae wafers, quality sinking pellets, fresh vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber, and occasional protein-rich foods. Driftwood is also an important part of their diet, aiding digestion and providing natural grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasy to care for and highly adaptable, the Bristlenose Catfish is an excellent choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAncistrus cirrhosus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBristlenose Catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth America\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10–15 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore (primarily herbivorous)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e80 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.5–7.8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2–20 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5–10 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommunity aquariums and planted tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Bristlenose Catfish good algae eaters?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are among the best freshwater algae eaters and constantly graze on soft algae and biofilm throughout the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big do Bristlenose Catfish grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost adults reach between 10 and 15 cm, making them much smaller than Common Plecos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Bristlenose Catfish eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey enjoy algae wafers, sinking pellets, zucchini, cucumber, spinach, pumpkin, driftwood, and occasional frozen foods such as bloodworms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Bristlenose Catfish live with shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are peaceful and generally ignore shrimp, making them excellent additions to shrimp and community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy do male Bristlenose Catfish have bristles?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bristles develop as males mature and are believed to play a role in attracting females and protecting eggs during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAssuming algae is enough food\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile excellent algae eaters, Bristlenose Catfish require a balanced diet with vegetables and quality sinking foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNot providing driftwood\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDriftwood is beneficial for digestion and provides natural grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in immature aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished aquariums provide the biofilm and stable conditions Bristlenose Catfish prefer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOverfeeding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove uneaten food promptly to maintain excellent water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor filtration\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough hardy, Bristlenose Catfish thrive in clean, well-filtered aquariums with good oxygenation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":48856148115595,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":48856148148363,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":48856148181131,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XLarge","offer_id":48856148213899,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/bRyX3rPYwUQzu4gWMoUCGnQgjpJ79Ga476fkSGWgExVmbiS7svWOO-2AGtgoQkxq1d09wFS155zJ0I-fTJ75y8tZb5ISpWeUSvjADMNxs6dQE-ExbElzAR74Xw6GRQ4lceQSUAVa90t7GlrRx0iTntUgyCnbfUFVcOUduXmYrzNbJz_1QKgpAtN.jpg?v=1785911659","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/regular-bristlenose-catfish","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}