Longfin Bushynose Pleco

Longfin Bushynose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) combines the standard Bushynose care package with dramatically extended, flowing fins. The longfin mutation extends the dorsal, caudal, and pectoral fins significantly. Clean water and gentle flow are important. Ancistrus Bushynose Plecos are the ideal pleco for most aquariums — staying small (4–5 inches), genuinely effective at algae control, easy to keep, and remarkably easy to breed. They are the most beginner-friendly pleco group available.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Mini Algae Wafers placed on glass and surfaces are the ideal staple — position them where the fish already grazes. Supplement with blanched zucchini or cucumber, Sera Nature Pleco Chips, and Hikari Sinking Wafers. Driftwood in the tank provides essential grazing and shelter. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms.

Native to rivers and streams of South America — the Amazon and Orinoco basins and surrounding drainages. Ancistrus inhabit rocky areas with abundant algae and biofilm growth, caves and crevices for shelter, and moderate water flow. Driftwood in the aquarium is beneficial as both a supplementary food source and essential hiding structure.

Ancistrus are cave spawners — males guard and fan the eggs inside a cave or PVC tube until hatching, and continue guarding the fry for several weeks. Males can be identified by the prominent tentacle-like odontodes on the snout; females have odontodes only around the snout edge. Provide one cave per male and the fish will breed readily in a mature aquarium.

The Ancistrus is one of the few plecos that actively grazes glass algae, keeps to a manageable size, and breeds readily in a standard aquarium. The male's commitment to egg and fry care — fanning and guarding inside a cave for weeks — is one of the most impressive parental behaviors in the hobby.

Care & Ideal Parameters