Bristlenose Pleco: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
An algae-eating catfish that stays around 5 inches, unlike the common pleco. One fits a tank of 29 gallons or larger.
- Minimum tank
- 29 gallons
- Temperature
- 73–81°F
- Group size
- One or more
- Adult size
- 5 inBottom of the tank
- Produces a lot of waste, so it counts heavily toward stocking.
- Needs driftwood to rasp on, plus algae wafers and vegetables.
Ancistrus sp.. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many bristlenose plecos per tank size
The most you could keep if bristlenose plecos were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Bristlenose pleco, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small (needs 29+ gal) | |
| 10 gallon | Too small (needs 29+ gal) | |
| 20 gallon | Too small (needs 29+ gal) | |
| 29 gallon | Up to 4 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 6 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 8 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 11 | Plan this tank |
What you need for a bristlenose pleco in a 29-gallon tank
A starting setup: 1 bristlenose pleco in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
29-gallon tank
- These fit a 29-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 77°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Bristlenose pleco tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with bristlenose plecos, with no warnings from our checks.
Use caution with: white cloud minnow, fancy goldfish. Add them in the builder to see why.
Plan a tank around bristlenose plecos
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderBristlenose pleco questions
What size tank does a bristlenose pleco need?
At least 29 gallons. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many bristlenose plecos can I keep in a 29-gallon tank?
Up to about 4 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do bristlenose plecos need a heater?
Usually yes. Bristlenose pleco does best at 73–81°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 29-gallon tank needs about 150 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with bristlenose plecos?
Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, black skirt tetras. They share a temperature range and temperament with bristlenose plecos.