Bristlenose Catfish
Bristlenose Catfish are one of
the most sort-after tropical fish asked for in an aquarium shop.
Sometimes called Bristlenose Pleco, or Bushynose Pleco, these fish are
in demand for their ease of care, resourcefulness and hardiness.
This wonderful
bottom-dwelling fish is peaceful and unique, but above all, they vacuum
up algae from the tank!! Bristlenoses rarely stop feeding and will go
about grazing on glass, ornaments, plants - even the heater!!
Apart from cleaning the
tank for you, this fish also will happily eat any dead fish, however
this practice should not be encouraged.
Bristlenoses generally
inhabit the lower strata of the tank, often hiding in a cave by day,
only coming out at feeding time. Bristlenoses are more active in the
evening and may be shy when first introduced into a new aquarium.
They are compatible with
most Tropical Fish as well as African Cichlids and generally are very
hardy, often living up to 12 years if well cared for. They can live in
a PH of 6.0 - 7.8 and prefer a temperature of 26 C.
Bristlenoses are generally
fed sinking algae wafers in the aquarium, however their diet should
also include vegetable matter like cucumber, squash or shelled peas
that have been boiled and softened.
Bristlenoses require many
hiding places and prefer a well planted tank. They especially like
caves, nooks and crannies to hide. Bristlenoses should be offered a
piece of driftwood to chew on - juvenile Bristlenoses especially need
driftwood to chew on for their proper development.
Male Bristlenoses can be
identified by their “whiskas” around the mouth area; Females do not
have whiskas. They will breed when they are 6cm-7cm in length.
Bristlenoses are egg
layers and easy to breed. A cave or “Bristlenose Log” should be placed
in the tank after conditioning of the fish with plenty of high protein
food (such as bloodworm) and a varied diet of vegetables.
A 75% water change can
induce the fish to commence procedures, where they will mate in a cave,
before the male will “fan” the eggs with his large tail fin. He will
protect the eggs - not letting any other fish near the cave for 10 days
during which the fry will hatch and feed on their egg sacks. The young fry should be removed and
placed in another aquarium - using water from the existing aquarium. | 
Bristlenose Catfish
