Plecos fishes are fun pets that don’t need much space. Just an itsy bitsy aquarium will be enough, Right? Apparently, not. The fish need a decent roaming space and will get stressed in small tanks. So, if you like Bristlenose like I do, knowing their size limit is a must. If you don’t know, don’t worry. Let me help.
Bristlenose Plecos are the smallest variety of the Plecos fish breeds. It usually stays with a range of 3-5 inches in size. Though some may grow up to 6 inches if kept properly. The tank size will also play a role in this part. If the tank is not big enough, the fish will never reach its potential size.Â
The one part that most people don’t think of while buying the Bristlenose Plecos is its size. They think that it’s a fish, so how large can it grow? It’s a correct assumption to some extent, but never an option for anyone worried about their Pleco fishes’ healthy life. So, never skip the size research.
How Big Can Bristlenose Plecos Get?
Bristlenose plecos are commonly preferred Pleco variants for homes and other places with limited tank space. It is because the fish doesn’t grow very long like other Pleco breeds, which can reach up to 25 inches and even more.
This particular Plecos species stays between the size of 3-5 inches, depending on its habitat, living standards, and age. Of course, the 5 inches isn’t a set limit. The fish can achieve a slightly larger size if you properly care for it.
There are cases when the Bristlenose Plecos reached a size of 6- 8 inches. But, these are rare instances. Moreover, it’s a genetic thing, and you most probably won’t experience it.
How Much Time do Plecos Need For Full Growth?
Bristlenose Plecos are slow-growing fish breeds. It can take months just to reach a sellable size. Usually, a keeper or breeder has to wait for 3 months to achieve a 1-2 inches size.
It will take another three to six more months for a noticeable size change. Frankly, the fish took around 9 months to hit the 3 inches mark. At this stage, you will notice slight body changes.
The males will start to develop tentacles on its face. The female, on the other hand, will start to develop a slightly rounded belly. In around a month, the fishes will look pretty mature. And if you have a pair of them, there’s also a possibility of mating.
However, don’t get any wrong ideas; the fish is yet to grow a little more. In Fact, it will grow for around 2-3 more years before reaching its full maturity.
In short, your male Bristlnose will take around 3-4 years to reach its full length of 5 inches. As for females, there’s a huge possibility they will never hit this length. Females Bristlenose Plecos tend to stay slightly shorter.
Can Tank Size and Parameters Affect My Pleco’s Size?
The tank has no direct effect on the fish size in it. The size has more to do with genetics and fish than the water.
However, both these factors will have an indirect role to play. For instance, if the tank is too small, your Bristlenose Pleco won’t get enough roaming space. It will spend most time stationary, and that’s going to affe34ct its digestive system.
Similarly, if the water parameters are too harsh, the fish has to use a lot of energy to stay alive. The Pleco will also get stressed, which in the long term means death. Not to mention the possible disease possibilities.
Hence, if you want your fish to live long enough to reach its full potential size, ensuring proper habitat is a must.
How to Ensure Proper Water Quality?
The general water parameters like temperature and flow are easy to maintain. But the water composition is a whole different story.
The water, even if it comes from a trusted source, may contain chemicals like chlorine. These compounds are safe for humans but not for fish. Then there is the ammonia your fish generate that can poison them in the long term. Not to mention the disease-causing bacteria that you need to cure.
Thus, it’s good to have some chemical testing kits and some neutralizers for this part. The following are some things to have on your shelf.
Water Testing Set
There are multiple parameters and chemical compounds in water that you need to keep in check. There is the pH, water hardness, nitrate level, hard metal, and many more. No single test that can provide reading for all. Thus you will need a whole kit to test the water. Here’s a small list of what you need.
- pH paper or solution
- Ammonia testing solution
- Nitrite testing solution
- Nitrate testers
- Chlorine tester
You can also consider an electric hardness tester and a salinity tester for ensuring the proper water parameters of your Pleco tank.
Water Cures
Testing the water will provide you with the composition of your tank water. So, the next thing you will need will be chemicals to balance these parameters. The following are the standard solutions that you may need.
- Dechroniator: It is a chemical that neutralizes the heavy metal present in the water. It specifically targets the high chlorine and decreases it to a safe level. You can also consider aging water for help in this part.
- Conditioner: The conditioners are somewhat like the de-chlorinator, except they don’t focus on one compound but the whole water composition. They reduce heavy metals and balance the pH of water. Some of them also come with stress reduction qualities and supplement breathing in Plecos fish.
Medication
The chemical composition of the water isn’t the only risk. The bacteria in it are also deadly. They can increase stress levels and make them vulnerable to multiple diseases. So, you need to have some medication for your fish and not just for Plecos, for every fish breed.
- General Aids: The general cure, as the name suggests, is an all-rounder medication. It does not have a specific use but works on reducing stress and strengthening the fish’s immune system.
- Fungus Cure: Though general aids mostly take care of fungus, it’s always good to have a dedicated anti-fungal medication. It comes in handy if the fish starts to develop gray or white patches on the gills or body.
- Ich Aid: Ich is none of the nastiest fish diseases that is curable if detected at the right time. But of course, you will need a compound that can kill the parasite causing it. Ich aids do precisely that.
Apart from these compounds or liquids, it’s also good to have some almond leaves. They have excellent antibacterial qualities.
Several different brands and local stores can provide you with chemical neutralizers and medication for this part. And you are free to pick the product according to your needs and budget. As long as they are effective, the brand hardly matters.
Does Tank Setup Affect Plecos’ Growth?
Bristlenose Plecos are very peaceful fish and can easily adjust in several tank setups. It can live in rocky tanks, plant-loaded tanks, and even a minimal type tank. However, the fish doesn’t do well with a sand-layered tank. The fish doesn’t have armor on the lower side, making it vulnerable to bruises and cuts.
Another factor here is the caves in your tank. Plecos need caves to hide during mating and protect their skin from excessive light. The plants and other hiding spaces can help, but still, the fish need caves. It gets stressed without them, which in the long term can affect its health.
The last part of the tank setup is the tank mate. Bristlenose Plecos are non-aggressive types, but they can get protective during the mating season. Moreover, you should never keep it with an aggressive fish breed. Personally, the fish is not a big fan of bullies and will defend itself.
If it wins, the other fish will get stressed; if not, the Plecos will get stressed. Either Way, it won’t end well for your tank.
How Feeding Relates to Pleco Growth?
Bristlenose Plecos eat a lot, and the food you provide them will directly affect their body. It will decide their immunity, growth rates, and overall health. The fish that get a regular and balanced diet will have much less disease risk. Moreover, properly fed Plecos will have better stress handling and grow much faster.
Thus, you need to ensure your fish get a high plant-based diet during their growth years. You also pump up the protein during its mating age to ensure health.
And most of all, provide it with a variety of food. Bristlenose can consume fruits, vegetables, pellets, flakes, wafers, and a lot of other food items. They also like to feed on driftwood.
Frankly, do comprehensive research on what to feed your Bristlenose Plecos before you get one.
Final Words
The growth of your Bristlenose highly depends on their genetics, and you cannot control it. The only thing you can do is to ensure the fish stays healthy and stress-free. It means providing them with a healthy environment, clean water, and a proper diet.