Snow White Longfin Bristlenose - Ancistrus cf cirrhosus

Snow White Longfin Bristlenose (Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus)

The Snow White Longfin Bristlenose, Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus, is a striking captive-bred bristlenose pleco form with a pale white to creamy body, red or dark eyes depending on the line, and extended flowing fins. This peaceful suckermouth catfish is a popular choice for mature community aquariums because it stays much smaller than common plecos and spends much of its time grazing wood, glass, rocks and decor. It is an algae grazer, but not a substitute for proper feeding or aquarium maintenance.

Common Name:
Snow White Longfin Bristlenose, Snow White Bristlenose Pleco, Longfin Snow White Pleco, Bristlenose Pleco, Bushynose Pleco.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Captive-bred ornamental longfin colour form; often sold as Ancistrus sp.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 10–13 cm, with some bristlenose lines reaching up to around 15 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Snow White Longfin form is captive-bred and does not occur as a wild population. Wild and related bristlenose Ancistrus species are South American loricariid catfish associated with freshwater streams, rivers and tributaries, where they graze algae, biofilm and fine food particles from submerged wood, stones and other surfaces.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–27°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.8
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; stable, clean and well-oxygenated water is important.

Temperament:
Peaceful and suitable for most calm community aquariums. Males can become territorial with other male bristlenose plecos, especially around caves, food and breeding sites, but they are generally safe with midwater community fish. Avoid housing multiple mature males in cramped aquariums.

Diet:
Omnivorous algae and biofilm grazer with a strong need for vegetable-based foods. Offer algae wafers, sinking pleco tablets, spirulina foods, Repashy-style gel foods, blanched courgette, cucumber, spinach, peas and occasional protein foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp or daphnia. Driftwood is recommended, as bristlenose plecos graze wood and biofilm regularly.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 90 litres is recommended for one adult, with larger aquariums preferred for pairs, groups or community setups. Provide plenty of floor space, grazing surfaces and caves.

Behaviour & Activity:
A mostly bottom and surface-grazing catfish that spends much of the day resting on wood, under caves or attached to glass and decor. It is often more active at dusk, after lights out or when food is added. Mature males develop more obvious bristles around the snout, while females usually have fewer or smaller bristles. Males may guard eggs in caves if breeding occurs.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful tetras, rasboras, rainbowfish, livebearers, gouramis, Corydoras-type catfish, peaceful barbs, dwarf cichlids with care, snails and other non-aggressive community fish. Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, persistent fin-nippers and fish likely to harass or damage the long fins.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide driftwood, caves, smooth stones, shaded areas, plants and regular sinking foods. Longfin varieties need extra care with tank mates and decor, as the extended fins can be damaged by fin-nippers, sharp ornaments or rough rockwork. Do not add to brand-new aquariums, as they benefit from mature biofilm and stable water quality. Although they graze algae, they produce waste like any other fish and still need regular feeding, filtration and water changes.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Captive-bred ornamental form

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.