🐟 Super Red Bristlenose Pleco Care Guide (Ancistrus sp.)

The Super Red Bristlenose Pleco is a vibrant color morph of the popular Bristlenose Pleco. Known for its bright orange-red coloration and peaceful nature, this pleco is highly prized among aquarists. It remains relatively small compared to common plecos, making it perfect for home aquariums.

🌍 Origin & Background

• A selectively bred variety of the Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus genus).
• Originates from South American river basins (Amazon and tributaries).
• Popular in aquariums for algae-eating abilities and manageable size.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20–30 gallons for a single pleco; larger tanks for multiple.
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 2–15 dGH
• Aquascaping: Provide driftwood (helps digestion), hiding caves, and smooth rocks.
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.

👫 Behavior & Tank Mates

• Temperament: Peaceful bottom-dweller.
• Tank Mates: Community fish such as tetras, rasboras, guppies, mollies, corydoras, and shrimp. Avoid very aggressive species.
• Social Needs: Can be kept alone, but groups are possible if space allows.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

• Primary Diet: Algae wafers, sinking pellets, and vegetable matter (zucchini, cucumber, spinach).
• Supplements: Occasional protein foods (bloodworms, shrimp pellets) for balance.
• Special Note: Driftwood is essential—it aids digestion and provides natural grazing.

🐣 Breeding Super Red Bristlenose Plecos

• Easy Breeders: Breed readily in home aquariums if conditions are right.
• Setup: Provide caves or PVC pipes for spawning.
• Behavior: Males guard eggs until fry hatch.
• Fry Care: Feed baby brine shrimp, crushed algae wafers, or blanched veggies.

❤️ Health & Care Tips

• Keep water clean with weekly water changes (25–30%).
• Ensure oxygenation and gentle water flow.
• Watch for sunken belly or thin appearance (sign of malnutrition).
• Provide hiding spots to reduce stress.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Grows up to 4–5 inches, smaller than common plecos.
• Vibrant orange-red coloration makes it a standout.
• Hardy, peaceful, and beginner-friendly.
• Excellent algae controller and easy to breed.