Popular Freshwater Fish!

Uncle Bill's Pet Centers carries a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, and selection may vary by store location. Here are some of the most popular freshwater fish Uncle Bill's offers - but it is not a complete listing of all the fish we have available at any given time. This list as well as our in-store availability fluctuates and is updated regularly. Please note this information on each fish's page is for your reference only, and any advice acquired from these listings is to be used at your own discretion.

Bristlenose Plecostomus

Facts and Information

bristlenose-pleco

The term "Bristlenose Pleco" can be used to describe just about any of the members of the Genus Ancistrus. The name comes from the Latin word "agkistron" meaning "with hooks"; a reference to the odd, bristle-like extentions of the cuticle on their heads and the hidden patch of spikes before the operculum (gill cover). They are long-lived and easily bred in the aquarium. Bristlenose plecos like to hide between rocks or in upturned flowerpots; anything that resembles a cave will do. Bristlenose Plecos make excellent janitors for cleaning unwanted algae growth on rocks and glass. Be advised though, these modestly-sized plecos can be quite territorial with other bottom-dwelling fishes and outright warmongers with other species of plecos. The males are particularly intolerant of each other, but they will usually (sometimes gladly so) accept a female. The "bristles" develop on the males, starting at around a year of age. Females will have very reduced bristles, or none at all.