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The Bristlenose Plecostomus, also known as the Bushy Nose Plecostomus, comes from the rivers and tributaries of South America. It is mainly brown with a mottling of lighter areas. The mouth area and nose are covered in short, whisker-like appendages, which are used for detecting food. The Bristlenose Plecostomus makes a a good addition to any community aquarium.

Planted aquariums with hardy, fast-growing plants, high aeration, and water movement provide a healthy environment. Rocks and driftwood help to accent a natural habitat and provide hiding spaces to reduce the stress for the Bristlenose Plecostomus. A recommended minimum tank of 30 gallons should be provided to house this fish.

The Bristlenose Plecostomus is relatively easy to breed and breeding occurs mostly in the winter months. This Plecostomus can be triggered to breed in the late fall by performing a 75 percent water change. The eggs are usually deposited on a piece of driftwood where the male will stay to guard them. The fry will become waterborne in approximately 10 days, at which time, they should be removed and raised in a separate aquarium. Feed the fry peeled and mashed peas.

Feeding the Bristlenose Plecostomus is not difficult since it is not a finicky eater. Feeding off the bottom of the aquarium, it gets most of its nutrition from left over food and algae. If there is no algae or left over food present, supplement with high quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and tubifex.

Ideal tank mates include: Angelfish, Discus, African Cichlids, South American Cichlids, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Rasboras, Gouramis, Rainbowfish, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Loaches, Plecos and Scavenger Catfish.