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A vibrant twist on a beloved classic, the Red Bristlenose Catfish is a striking, captive-bred morph of the Ancistrusgenus. With its bright orange-red to copper-toned body and classic “bristlenose” tentacles, this peaceful algae-eater adds a burst of colour to the bottom of your aquarium—without compromising on its famously hardy and helpful personality.
Ideal for community tanks and aquascapes alike, the Red Bristlenose is both beautiful and beneficial, helping to reduce algae build-up while remaining active and engaging.
Species: Ancistrus sp. (Red Morph)
Common Names: Red Bristlenose, Red Bushynose Catfish
Origin: South America (Captive-bred morph)
Light Requirements: Low to moderate
Diet: Herbivorous – Algae wafers, spirulina, blanched veggies (zucchini, cucumber, pumpkin), and occasional meaty treats like bloodworms
Maximum Size: 10–12 cm
Temperament: Peaceful, mildly territorial with other Bristlenose
Care Level: Easy
Aquarium Setup:
Requires a minimum of 70 litres. Provide plenty of hiding spots with caves, driftwood, and smooth decorations. Soft substrate like sand or rounded gravel is preferred to protect their delicate undersides. These nocturnal fish enjoy shaded areas and benefit from lower lighting or well-planted environments.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 4–15 dGH
Growth and Maintenance:
Like other Bristlenose catfish, the Red morph is a slow but steady grower, with a long lifespan of 5–10 years in ideal conditions. Keep water quality high and offer a balanced, mostly plant-based diet. Males develop signature facial bristles and may become mildly territorial—if keeping more than one, ensure sufficient space and multiple hiding spots.
Care Tips:
✔ Offer a varied plant-based diet
✔ Provide driftwood to aid digestion
✔ Use smooth décor and soft substrate
✔ Avoid housing with fin-nippers or aggressive fish
✔ Maintain excellent water quality with routine maintenance
Compatibility:
Safe for planted and community aquariums. Great companions include tetras, rasboras, peaceful gouramis, dwarf cichlids, and livebearers. Avoid aggressive bottom dwellers or overly boisterous species.
Availability:
Widely available through breeders and aquarium suppliers. All specimens are captive-bred.