White Seam Bristlenose Pleco L183

A generally peaceful and hardy species, the White Seam Bristlenose Pleco is an excellent, undemanding candidate for most aquariums. Unlike the widely-seen Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus), which easily reach a monstrous size of 18 to 20+ inches (45 to 51+ cm), the White Seam Bristlenose Pleco grows to a size of only 4 to 5.9 inches (10 to 15 cm). This smaller size makes for a much more manageable (and less messy) pleco that can thrive permanently in a well-maintained aquarium as small as 40 to 55 gallons. Male plecos may be somewhat territorial with other males of their species, but disputes can usually be diffused by providing ample territory and hiding places for each fish. All other tankmates will be generally ignored, although it is possible that small shrimp fry might fall prey to the White Seam Bristlenose Pleco. However, some large-scale shrimp suppliers breed Bristlenose Plecos in the same pools they use for shrimp breeding.

The White Seam Bristlenose Pleco is primarily nocturnal, but will often become active during daytime hours once established in an aquarium with plenty of driftwood, rockwork, and other hiding places. It is not known to eat wood heavily like some plecos (Panaque sp., etc.), but it may benefit from some supplementary wood (or bio-film on driftwood). The White Seam Bristlenose Pleco will not bother most plants, but it will eat plenty of algae in the aquarium, especially as a juvenile. Feed the White Seam Bristlenose Pleco a diet heavy in vegetable matter, including high-quality vegetable flakes, sinking algae wafers and pellets. It will also appreciate being fed some fresh vegetables such as shelled peas, spinach, zucchini and cucumber. Occasional meaty foods such as bloodworms are also beneficial when fed sparingly. This fish eats constantly, so too much meat/animal protein in its diet can be unhealthy for the fish as well as the level of waste it produces in the aquarium.

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS: 

• pH level range: 5.0 - 7.0 
• Temperature range: 79° - 86° F (26° - 30° C)
• KH: 1 - 10 dKH
• Minimum tank size: 40 gallons for 1 fish, 75+ gallons for a group

CARE GUIDELINES:

• Diet: Omnivorous, but meatier foods should only be fed sparingly
• Social behavior: Generally solitary, but will socialize somewhat, especially during breeding.
• Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to Rio Negro, Brazil.
• Average adult size: 4 – 5.9 inches (10 - 15 cm)
• Average purchase size: .75 - 1 inches (1.9 - 2.5 cm) for Juveniles, 3  inches (7.5  cm) for Subadults