Starlight Bristlenose Plecostomus

Ancistrus dolichopterus

Starlight Bristlenose Plecostomus is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

PeacefulBottom dwellerBest kept as a solitary specimenBeginner – Intermediate

Buy here

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm)
Aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 5–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Best kept as a solitary specimen

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 5–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Starlight Bristlenose Plecostomus is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Best kept as a solitary specimen.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Starlight Bristlenose Plecostomus should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Best kept as a solitary specimen.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, Guyana.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Barito Loach Kapuasia falaris Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bengal Loach Botia dario Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Starlight Bristlenose Plecostomus get?

Starlight Bristlenose Plecostomus reaches ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm).

What aquarium size does Starlight Bristlenose Plecostomus need?

Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Starlight Bristlenose Plecostomus peaceful?

Yes. Starlight Bristlenose Plecostomus is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.