
Ancistrus (Bristlenose Pleco)
Ancistrus sp.
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
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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