Super Red Bristlenose Pleco Shortfin (Ancistrus sp.)

$12.99

Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) – Shortfin – 1–1.5 inches

The Super Red Bristlenose Pleco is a vibrant, hardy, and algae-eating favorite among freshwater aquarists. Known for its brilliant orange-red coloration and peaceful nature, this pleco adds both beauty and function to community and planted aquariums. Its smaller size, gentle temperament, and exceptional cleaning ability make it one of the best choices for aquarists of all experience levels.

We ship these plecos at 1–1.5 inches, a healthy juvenile size ideal for safe acclimation and strong growth in your aquarium. As adults, they reach about 4–5 inches, staying compact while developing deeper, richer red coloration as they mature. The shortfin variety displays smooth fins and a uniform body color from head to tail, offering a bold visual accent to any aquascape.

Care & Aquarium Requirements

Super Red Bristlenose Plecos thrive in aquariums of 20 gallons or larger, with stable water parameters and good filtration. Provide plenty of hiding spaces using driftwood, caves, and rockwork, as these replicate their natural environment and help reduce stress. These plecos are peaceful bottom dwellers, perfectly suited for community aquariums with tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and shrimp.

  • Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)

  • pH: 6.5–7.8

  • GH: 4–12

  • KH: 2–10

Diet

Super Red Bristlenose Plecos are primarily herbivores that graze on algae, biofilm, and plant matter. For optimal health and coloration, supplement their diet with algae wafers, spirulina-based pellets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and spinach. Occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms or shrimp pellets can be offered as treats. Providing natural driftwood is also important, as it aids in digestion.

Breeding Information

These plecos are among the easiest species to breed in captivity. Males grow distinctive facial bristles and guard eggs laid by females inside caves or hollow structures. With good water quality and consistent feeding, fry grow quickly and retain the bright red coloration of their parents.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp. “Super Red”

  • Common Name: Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Shortfin)

  • Shipping Size: 1–1.5 inches

  • Adult Size: ~4–5 inches

  • Temperament: Peaceful, hardy bottom-dweller

  • Diet: Algae, biofilm, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables

  • Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons

  • Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care

With their bright color, efficient algae-eating habits, and easygoing nature, the Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Shortfin) is a perfect addition for aquarists looking for a colorful, low-maintenance pleco that thrives in a wide range of freshwater environments.

Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) – Shortfin – 1–1.5 inches

The Super Red Bristlenose Pleco is a vibrant, hardy, and algae-eating favorite among freshwater aquarists. Known for its brilliant orange-red coloration and peaceful nature, this pleco adds both beauty and function to community and planted aquariums. Its smaller size, gentle temperament, and exceptional cleaning ability make it one of the best choices for aquarists of all experience levels.

We ship these plecos at 1–1.5 inches, a healthy juvenile size ideal for safe acclimation and strong growth in your aquarium. As adults, they reach about 4–5 inches, staying compact while developing deeper, richer red coloration as they mature. The shortfin variety displays smooth fins and a uniform body color from head to tail, offering a bold visual accent to any aquascape.

Care & Aquarium Requirements

Super Red Bristlenose Plecos thrive in aquariums of 20 gallons or larger, with stable water parameters and good filtration. Provide plenty of hiding spaces using driftwood, caves, and rockwork, as these replicate their natural environment and help reduce stress. These plecos are peaceful bottom dwellers, perfectly suited for community aquariums with tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and shrimp.

  • Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)

  • pH: 6.5–7.8

  • GH: 4–12

  • KH: 2–10

Diet

Super Red Bristlenose Plecos are primarily herbivores that graze on algae, biofilm, and plant matter. For optimal health and coloration, supplement their diet with algae wafers, spirulina-based pellets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and spinach. Occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms or shrimp pellets can be offered as treats. Providing natural driftwood is also important, as it aids in digestion.

Breeding Information

These plecos are among the easiest species to breed in captivity. Males grow distinctive facial bristles and guard eggs laid by females inside caves or hollow structures. With good water quality and consistent feeding, fry grow quickly and retain the bright red coloration of their parents.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp. “Super Red”

  • Common Name: Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Shortfin)

  • Shipping Size: 1–1.5 inches

  • Adult Size: ~4–5 inches

  • Temperament: Peaceful, hardy bottom-dweller

  • Diet: Algae, biofilm, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables

  • Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons

  • Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care

With their bright color, efficient algae-eating habits, and easygoing nature, the Super Red Bristlenose Pleco (Shortfin) is a perfect addition for aquarists looking for a colorful, low-maintenance pleco that thrives in a wide range of freshwater environments.