Peppermint Bristlenose Pleco - Ancistrus sp.

Peppermint Bristlenose are one of my favourite bristlenose to have in the fish room. They have a dark body covered in small white spots, a bit like a starry night, and many youngsters also carry a white edge along their dorsal fin and tail that tends to fade as they grow. Every fish is a little different, which is part of what makes watching them grow up so rewarding.

The peppermint bristlenose we have here in Australia are a hobby line rather than a pure wild species, so their spotting and finnage can vary from fish to fish. They do all the same good work as a common bristlenose, grazing algae off glass, wood and leaves, but they look a lot more special doing it. Males develop the bushy bristles on their nose as they mature, and both sexes like a piece of driftwood to rasp on and a cave or two to hide in during the day.

Quick care notes

• Adult size: 10 to 12cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Tank size: 60L minimum
• Temperature: 22 to 28°C
• pH: 6.5 to 7.5
• Diet: Algae, sinking algae wafers, driftwood (they rasp on wood), blanched vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber
• Tankmates: Most peaceful community fish, avoid aggressive tankmates
• Difficulty: Beginner friendly

What you will receive
Young fish, randomly selected. Bristlenose are difficult to sex at this size, so males and females cannot be chosen. As this is a mixed hobby line, markings will vary.