Super Red Bristlenose – The Stunning Algae-Eating Wonder for Your Aquarium

Elevate your aquarium’s beauty and cleanliness with the Super Red Bristlenose (Ancistrus sp.), a striking and hardy catfish known for its vibrant red coloration and impressive algae-eating abilities. This popular pleco variant adds a splash of fiery color to your tank while tirelessly helping to keep algae under control.

The Super Red Bristlenose is admired for its vivid red body, covered in tiny, whisker-like bristles on its face—more pronounced in males—that give it a unique, charismatic appearance. Growing to about 4 to 6 inches, it remains a manageable size for most community aquariums. This pleco is peaceful, making it a great tank mate for a wide variety of species.

Beyond its eye-catching looks, the Super Red Bristlenose is a natural cleaner, grazing on algae, biofilm, and leftover food along tank surfaces, rocks, and plants. Its hardy nature and adaptability make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists seeking a beautiful and functional addition to their freshwater setups.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Red Coloration: Bright red body with distinctive facial bristles, adding vivid color and personality to your aquarium

• Effective Algae Eater: Helps control algae growth naturally, maintaining a cleaner tank environment

• Peaceful & Hardy: Compatible with most community fish and tolerant of various water conditions

• Manageable Size: Grows to 4–6 inches, suitable for medium to large aquariums

Care Guidelines:

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons

• Water Temp: 73–81°F (23–27°C)

• pH Range: 6.5–7.5

• Diet: Omnivorous – thrives on algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (like zucchini and cucumber), and occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms

• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care

Tip: Provide plenty of hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and dense plants. Driftwood is especially beneficial as it supports their digestion and natural grazing behavior. Soft substrate is recommended to protect their delicate barbels.

The Super Red Bristlenose combines stunning looks with practical benefits, making it a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. Whether you want to add a pop of color or improve algae control in your tank, this hardy pleco is an excellent choice that will keep your aquatic environment both vibrant and healthy.