Super Red Bristlenose Pleco — Captive Bred

The super red bristlenose pleco is a selectively bred line of Ancistrus developed over generations for a dramatically more vivid reddish-orange body color than standard bristlenose. Where a typical bristlenose tends toward brown or olive, the super red line produces fish with a warm, rich coloration that deepens as they mature. The shortfin variety has the classic clean look of natural fins — no drama, just a genuinely beautiful small pleco.

These fish are captive bred in my home fish room in Brookfield, Illinois. I have both shortfin and longfin super reds. These fish ship at approximately 1 inch.

Bristlenose plecos are one of the most versatile fish in the hobby. They stay under 5 inches, get along with nearly every tankmate, and do real, consistent work on algae. They work in community tanks, planted tanks, cichlid tanks — almost anything. They're also straightforward to breed once settled in, making them a popular choice for hobbyists who want to try their hand at pleco reproduction.

Care at a glance:
Tank size: 20 gallons minimum
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.5–7.8 (adaptable; slightly acidic to neutral preferred)
Diet: Primarily vegetable matter — algae wafers, zucchini, cucumber, blanched spinach. Add driftwood for grazing. Occasional protein (sinking pellets) is fine.
Temperament: Peaceful with other species. Males can be territorial with each other — provide caves, PVC pipe, or other enclosed hides. Breed readily in captivity when given a suitable cave and good conditioning.
Max size: 4–5 inches

Shipping: Ships Monday through Wednesday. Insulated box with heat or cold packs based on weather at your location. Live arrival guaranteed — contact me within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo if there's an issue and I'll issue a refund or replacement.