Green Longfin Bristlenose - Ancistrus cf cirrhosus

Green Longfin Bristlenose (Ancistrus cf cirrhosus)

The Green Longfin Bristlenose is an attractive freshwater catfish admired for its olive-green to brown colouration, distinctive facial bristles and elegant extended fins. Peaceful, hardy and useful as a natural grazer, it is well suited to mature community aquariums with plenty of wood, caves and established surfaces. Its long flowing fins make this variety especially decorative, while its manageable adult size makes it a practical alternative to many larger plecos.

Common Name:
Green Longfin Bristlenose, Longfin Bristlenose Pleco

Scientific Name (Latin):
Ancistrus cf cirrhosus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 12–15 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Green Longfin Bristlenose is an ornamental aquarium form derived from Ancistrus-type bristlenose catfish.

Bristlenose catfish are associated with South American freshwater environments containing wood, rocks, submerged roots and flowing to moderately moving water.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–27°C
pH Range: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to Moderate
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Peaceful

The Green Longfin Bristlenose is generally peaceful and mixes well with a broad range of calm community fish.

Mature males may become territorial towards one another around favourite caves or breeding sites, particularly in smaller aquariums.

Diet:
Omnivore / Algae Grazer

The Green Longfin Bristlenose spends much of its time grazing algae, biofilm and organic material from hard aquarium surfaces.

Offer a varied diet including algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, sinking catfish pellets and suitable vegetable foods such as courgette.

Occasional protein-rich foods can also be provided, but plant-based foods should form an important part of the regular diet.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 100 litres

A larger aquarium is recommended where multiple adults will be kept, particularly if several males are present.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Green Longfin Bristlenose is primarily a bottom-dwelling fish that spends much of its time resting beneath wood, around caves and on hard surfaces.

It becomes especially active during quieter periods and may spend long periods grazing across driftwood, rockwork and aquarium glass.

Provide plenty of sheltered areas together with open substrate and established grazing surfaces.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish

The Green Longfin Bristlenose is well suited to peaceful freshwater community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates include tetras, rasboras, rainbowfish, Corydoras, peaceful cichlids and other non-aggressive species with compatible water requirements.

Avoid highly aggressive bottom dwellers that may compete heavily for caves or territory.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide natural driftwood together with caves and shaded areas.

Wood provides additional grazing surfaces and helps create a more natural environment.

Because this is a longfin variety, avoid sharp rocks or rough decorations that could tear the extended fins.

Strong biological filtration and good oxygenation are recommended.

Stable water chemistry and regular partial water changes are important for maintaining healthy fins and overall condition.

Mature males typically develop more pronounced facial bristles than females.

Although this species can help graze algae, it should not be expected to survive solely on naturally occurring algae within the aquarium.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.