Super Red Bristlenose 3-5cm

Description

Super Red Bristlenose (Ancistrus sp.)

One of the most spectacular Bristlenose varieties available, the Super Red Bristlenose combines brilliant orange-red colouration with outstanding algae-eating abilities, making it both a stunning display fish and a hardworking member of your clean-up crew.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Ancistrus sp.
  • Common name: Super Red Bristlenose
  • Adult size: 10–13 cm
  • Tank size: 80L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Individually, pairs or small groups with adequate space

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want an attractive algae-eating fish.
  • You keep a planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy uncommon colour varieties.
  • You want a hardy and beginner-friendly Pleco.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You have an aquarium under 80 litres.
  • You keep aggressive Plecos in limited space.
  • You don't provide driftwood.
  • You expect them to survive solely on algae.

Why choose the Super Red Bristlenose?

The Super Red Bristlenose is one of the most desirable Bristlenose Plecos thanks to its brilliant orange-red body that becomes richer and deeper as the fish matures. Unlike common Plecos, Bristlenose remain a manageable size, making them ideal for home aquariums.

These peaceful catfish spend their day grazing on algae, biofilm and driftwood before becoming more active during the evening. Males develop the characteristic fleshy "bristles" across their nose as they mature, giving them their unmistakable appearance.

Their combination of striking colour, useful algae-grazing behaviour and hardy nature has made them one of the most popular Plecos in the aquarium hobby.

Benefits

  • Brilliant orange-red colouration
  • Excellent algae grazer
  • Suitable for planted aquariums
  • Remains much smaller than Common Plecos
  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Can be successfully bred in home aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.8
  • Diet: Algae wafers, quality sinking pellets, fresh vegetables, driftwood and occasional frozen foods
  • Water: Clean, mature and well-filtered
  • Setup: Driftwood, caves, shaded areas and good water movement
  • Do not rely on algae alone—supplement with quality foods daily.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras
  • Rainbowfish
  • Cherry Barbs
  • Peaceful Gouramis
  • Apistogramma
NTA Insight:
One of the biggest myths in fishkeeping is that Bristlenose only need algae to survive. While they're fantastic algae grazers, healthy Bristlenose require a varied diet that includes vegetables, quality sinking foods and access to driftwood. The Super Red variety is especially impressive against dark backgrounds, where its rich orange-red colour becomes the centrepiece of the aquarium.

FAQ

How big do Super Red Bristlenose get?

Most adults reach around 10–13 cm, making them significantly smaller and more aquarium-friendly than Common Plecos.

Do they really eat algae?

Yes. They're excellent algae grazers, especially on soft algae and biofilm. However, they still require a balanced diet and should never be expected to survive on algae alone.

Why do they need driftwood?

Bristlenose naturally rasp on driftwood, which provides fibre and supports healthy digestion. Driftwood is considered an essential part of their long-term care.

Can Super Red Bristlenose breed in home aquariums?

Yes. They're one of the easiest Plecos to breed. Males guard the eggs inside caves until they hatch, making them fascinating fish for breeders.

What's the difference between Super Red and Common Bristlenose?

The main difference is colour. Super Red Bristlenose display a vibrant orange-red body, while Common Bristlenose are brown with mottled markings. Care requirements and behaviour are essentially the same.

Super Red Bristlenose 3-5cm

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Free pickup in our shop(s)
📍 In-Store Locations: APE22
📦 Arrival Date: 21 April 2026

12 in stock  

$20.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Super Red Bristlenose (Ancistrus sp.)

    One of the most spectacular Bristlenose varieties available, the Super Red Bristlenose combines brilliant orange-red colouration with outstanding algae-eating abilities, making it both a stunning display fish and a hardworking member of your clean-up crew.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Ancistrus sp.
    • Common name: Super Red Bristlenose
    • Adult size: 10–13 cm
    • Tank size: 80L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Individually, pairs or small groups with adequate space

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want an attractive algae-eating fish.
    • You keep a planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy uncommon colour varieties.
    • You want a hardy and beginner-friendly Pleco.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You have an aquarium under 80 litres.
    • You keep aggressive Plecos in limited space.
    • You don't provide driftwood.
    • You expect them to survive solely on algae.

    Why choose the Super Red Bristlenose?

    The Super Red Bristlenose is one of the most desirable Bristlenose Plecos thanks to its brilliant orange-red body that becomes richer and deeper as the fish matures. Unlike common Plecos, Bristlenose remain a manageable size, making them ideal for home aquariums.

    These peaceful catfish spend their day grazing on algae, biofilm and driftwood before becoming more active during the evening. Males develop the characteristic fleshy "bristles" across their nose as they mature, giving them their unmistakable appearance.

    Their combination of striking colour, useful algae-grazing behaviour and hardy nature has made them one of the most popular Plecos in the aquarium hobby.

    Benefits

    • Brilliant orange-red colouration
    • Excellent algae grazer
    • Suitable for planted aquariums
    • Remains much smaller than Common Plecos
    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Can be successfully bred in home aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.8
    • Diet: Algae wafers, quality sinking pellets, fresh vegetables, driftwood and occasional frozen foods
    • Water: Clean, mature and well-filtered
    • Setup: Driftwood, caves, shaded areas and good water movement
    • Do not rely on algae alone—supplement with quality foods daily.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras
    • Rainbowfish
    • Cherry Barbs
    • Peaceful Gouramis
    • Apistogramma
    NTA Insight:
    One of the biggest myths in fishkeeping is that Bristlenose only need algae to survive. While they're fantastic algae grazers, healthy Bristlenose require a varied diet that includes vegetables, quality sinking foods and access to driftwood. The Super Red variety is especially impressive against dark backgrounds, where its rich orange-red colour becomes the centrepiece of the aquarium.

    FAQ

    How big do Super Red Bristlenose get?

    Most adults reach around 10–13 cm, making them significantly smaller and more aquarium-friendly than Common Plecos.

    Do they really eat algae?

    Yes. They're excellent algae grazers, especially on soft algae and biofilm. However, they still require a balanced diet and should never be expected to survive on algae alone.

    Why do they need driftwood?

    Bristlenose naturally rasp on driftwood, which provides fibre and supports healthy digestion. Driftwood is considered an essential part of their long-term care.

    Can Super Red Bristlenose breed in home aquariums?

    Yes. They're one of the easiest Plecos to breed. Males guard the eggs inside caves until they hatch, making them fascinating fish for breeders.

    What's the difference between Super Red and Common Bristlenose?

    The main difference is colour. Super Red Bristlenose display a vibrant orange-red body, while Common Bristlenose are brown with mottled markings. Care requirements and behaviour are essentially the same.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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