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Ancistrus (Bristlenose Pleco) (Ancistrus sp.) — fish compatible with discus
Compatible fish

Ancistrus (Bristlenose Pleco)

Ancistrus sp.

4/5 — Very good

Description

The Ancistrus (Bristlenose) is the best pleco choice for discus. It stays small (10–15 cm), is peaceful and tolerates high temperatures well. It eats algae and biofilm.

🌍 Origin

The Amazon basin — various tributaries.

Appearance

A small pleco with tentacles on the head (especially males). Varieties: common, super red, albino, long fin.

Recommended water parameters

pH
6.0-7.5
Temperature
23-29°C
TDS
100-300 ppm
GH
4-12
Size
10–15 cm
Lifespan
10–15 years
Min. group
1–2 specimens

Compatibility with discus

NEVER the common pleco (Pterygoplichthys), which reaches 40–50 cm and feeds on discus mucus at night. The Ancistrus is the safe choice.

Care

Requires driftwood (it rasps and consumes the cellulose). A nocturnal fish.

Feeding

Algae alone are not enough — vegetable wafers, cucumber, zucchini, blanched spinach.

Behavior

Peaceful, nocturnal. Males can be territorial toward each other — max 1 male per medium tank.

💡 Practical tips

  • →Driftwood in the tank is mandatory
  • →Feed blanched vegetables in the evening
  • →Max 1 male — they are territorial

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