Bristlenose catfish
This bristlenose catfish is a small South American loricariid from the Amazon and Orinoco drainages, where it clings to submerged wood and rocks in flowing, well-oxygenated water. Dark brown and speckled with pale dots, it reaches about 13 cm, and mature males develop the branching snout tentacles typical of the genus. It is peaceful, nocturnal and thoroughly community-safe, making it a popular algae-grazer and clean-up fish for aquaria from 100 litres upward. Driftwood is important, as the fish rasps it for fibre and cover. Provide 23-28C, pH 5.8-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water with good filtration and current. An omnivore, it grazes biofilm and algae but should also receive blanched vegetables and sinking wafers to balance its diet. Hardy, long-lived and easy to breed, it is an excellent beginner catfish.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 23 – 28 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.8 – 7.5 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 1 – 12 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 2 – 18 °dGH |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 100 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 40 L — adds up with tank-mates |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Bristlenose catfish need?
Provide at least 100 litres to keep Bristlenose catfish in good conditions.
What water parameters does Bristlenose catfish need?
A temperature of 23–28 °C, pH 5.8–7.5.
Is Bristlenose catfish peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is peaceful.
What does Bristlenose catfish eat?
Its diet: omnivore.
How big does Bristlenose catfish get?
Around 13 cm as an adult.
Is Bristlenose catfish suitable for beginners?
Care level: beginner.
Planning a tank with Bristlenose catfish?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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