Calico Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) – Tank Bred
* For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout *
The Calico Bristlenose Pleco is one of the most attractive and practical plecos available in the aquarium hobby. This selectively bred color variant features a beautiful marbled pattern of orange, cream, black, and brown coloration that gives each fish a unique appearance. Unlike many larger pleco species that quickly outgrow home aquariums, the Calico Bristlenose remains compact while still providing excellent algae-grazing benefits. Our specimens are tank bred and USA bred, making them hardy, well-acclimated aquarium residents that adapt readily to life in the home aquarium. Calico Bristlenose Plecos typically reach only 4 to 5 inches in length, making them suitable for a wide range of community and planted aquariums.
What We Love About This Fish
• Beautiful Calico Patterning: Every fish displays a unique mix of orange, cream, black, and brown coloration.
• Excellent Algae Grazer: Constantly searches surfaces for algae, biofilm, and leftover food.
• Manageable Adult Size: Much smaller and easier to keep than many common pleco species.
• USA Bred and Hardy: Adapted to aquarium life and generally more resilient than wild-collected alternatives.
Quick Care Guide
• Care Level: Easy. Hardy and adaptable algae-grazing catfish suitable for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
• Temperament: Peaceful community fish that spends most of its time grazing on surfaces and hiding among hardscape.
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous grazer that thrives on algae, biofilm, driftwood, vegetable-based foods, and quality sinking wafers.
• Average Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm).
• Average Purchase Size: 1.5–2.5 inches (3.8–6.4 cm).
• Tank Level: Bottom-dwelling fish that actively explores driftwood, rocks, and aquarium décor.
• Activity Level: Most active during evening hours, though established specimens are often visible throughout the day.
• Group Size: Can be kept singly, as a pair, or in groups when sufficient hiding places and territories are provided.
• Shrimp Compatibility: Generally safe with adult Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp. May consume weak, deceased, or newly hatched shrimplets if encountered.
Recommended Tank Parameters
• Temperature: 72°–82° F (22°–28° C)
• pH: 6.5–7.8
• KH: 2–12 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Live Arrival Guarantee
All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!
Original: $19.99
-65%$19.99
$7.00Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
* For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout *
The Calico Bristlenose Pleco is one of the most attractive and practical plecos available in the aquarium hobby. This selectively bred color variant features a beautiful marbled pattern of orange, cream, black, and brown coloration that gives each fish a unique appearance. Unlike many larger pleco species that quickly outgrow home aquariums, the Calico Bristlenose remains compact while still providing excellent algae-grazing benefits. Our specimens are tank bred and USA bred, making them hardy, well-acclimated aquarium residents that adapt readily to life in the home aquarium. Calico Bristlenose Plecos typically reach only 4 to 5 inches in length, making them suitable for a wide range of community and planted aquariums.
What We Love About This Fish
• Beautiful Calico Patterning: Every fish displays a unique mix of orange, cream, black, and brown coloration.
• Excellent Algae Grazer: Constantly searches surfaces for algae, biofilm, and leftover food.
• Manageable Adult Size: Much smaller and easier to keep than many common pleco species.
• USA Bred and Hardy: Adapted to aquarium life and generally more resilient than wild-collected alternatives.
Quick Care Guide
• Care Level: Easy. Hardy and adaptable algae-grazing catfish suitable for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
• Temperament: Peaceful community fish that spends most of its time grazing on surfaces and hiding among hardscape.
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous grazer that thrives on algae, biofilm, driftwood, vegetable-based foods, and quality sinking wafers.
• Average Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm).
• Average Purchase Size: 1.5–2.5 inches (3.8–6.4 cm).
• Tank Level: Bottom-dwelling fish that actively explores driftwood, rocks, and aquarium décor.
• Activity Level: Most active during evening hours, though established specimens are often visible throughout the day.
• Group Size: Can be kept singly, as a pair, or in groups when sufficient hiding places and territories are provided.
• Shrimp Compatibility: Generally safe with adult Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp. May consume weak, deceased, or newly hatched shrimplets if encountered.
Recommended Tank Parameters
• Temperature: 72°–82° F (22°–28° C)
• pH: 6.5–7.8
• KH: 2–12 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Live Arrival Guarantee
All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!
