Bristlenose catfish
Ancistrus cirrhosus
Many traded fish are uncertain Ancistrus breeding lines; exact identification is not always possible. A suckermouth catfish that grazes surfaces. Caves and supplementary food remain necessary even in an aquarium with algae.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Ancistrus cirrhosus
- Dutch name
- Borstelneusmeerval
- Water temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Adult length, up to approximately
- 10 cm
- Experience
- Basic knowledge
- General hardness (GH)
- 1–18 °dGH
- Starting footprint
- 80 × 35 cm
- Swimming or living zone
- Bottom
- Flow
- Moderate, with sheltered areas
This is a documented adult size, not a measured average. SL means body length excluding the tail fin. Sex, origin and cultivated form can affect size.
Care guidance; origin and captive breeding can change requirements. Some ranges are deliberately narrower than natural extremes in the source. Adjust water gradually and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
Tank sizes are editorial starting points for adults, not guarantees for a complete stocking plan. Group size, tank height, swimming length and territories may require a larger aquarium.
Origin
South America — Paraná
Habitat & setup
River habitat with wood, stones and hiding caves.
Diet
Biofilm and soft algae, supplemented with suitable sinking and plant-based foods. A bare clean tank offers too little food.
Behaviour & grouping
Plan separate territories; an arbitrary pair may still fight.
Living with other animals
Other peaceful fish of suitable size, such as small tetras and calm cory catfish, if water requirements match. Avoid predators.
Possible combinations to investigate further
- Black neon tetra
22–26 °C · pH 6–7.5
Reproduction
Cave spawner; a suitable cave and calm care are important.
A suitable cover helps prevent escape and jumping. Protect intakes for small animals. Do not use copper-based fish medication with invertebrates.
Sources & image credits
Data compiled on: 2026-09-27. Species sources support identity and care; group sources give general starting points. Practical recommendations are an editorial synthesis.
Photo: Ancistrus_cirrhosus.jpg — The Last 99. CC BY-SA 3.0 de.