Calico Shortfin Bristlenose Pleco
Welcome to Phil's Gills! We strive to breed the best and healthiest fish for your freshwater aquariums. Thank you for looking and happy fish keeping!
You are purchasing Calico Shortfin Bristlenose Pleco. These fish were born and raised in my fish room. They are on a varied diet of high-quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and protein foods and have been growing beautifully. These fish will ship in a flat rate box for 2 to 3 day shipping depending on your location. Please note that occasionally flat rate can take 4 days, but this is not common and is out of our control.
Please note: Coloration varies from fish to fish — some lean more toward red, others more toward brown, and many carry a beautiful mix of both. At 2 inches some of these fish are beginning to show gender, however we cannot guarantee the sex of the fish you receive. If you have a preference, feel free to message us and we will do our best to accommodate, but it cannot be guaranteed.
Shipping: Packages will always ship on Monday or Tuesday. We do this to ensure your fish arrive safely in case of any issue with the post office. Please see the listing to confirm the shipping method for your order.
We do not ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
DOA Policy: In the unfortunate event of a DOA — while a rare occurrence — please take a photo of the fish in an unopened bag within 2 hours of receiving your shipment. If the fish is deemed DOA, we will always refund the cost of the fish or offer you the same value toward another fish. Shipping costs cannot be refunded. If the bags have been opened, the DOA policy is voided. We double bag everything we send. If you have any questions about fish care, please ask before purchasing. Once the fish enter your tank, we are not responsible for uncycled tanks or improper animal care.
General Information — Calico Shortfin Bristlenose Pleco
The Calico Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) is a unique and eye-catching variant produced by crossing Super Red and Chocolate Bristlenose lines. The result is a fish with a stunning mix of warm reds and rich browns that varies beautifully from individual to individual — meaning every fish is truly one of a kind.
Appearance: Calico Bristlenose Plecos display a variable blend of deep red and chocolate brown across the body, with some individuals leaning heavily toward one color and others carrying a vivid mix of both. At 2 inches, coloration is already well established and will continue to develop as the fish matures. Males will develop prominent bristle appendages on their snout, while females typically have fewer or smaller bristles along the snout edge.
Tank Setup: Bristlenose Plecos do well in aquariums of 20 gallons or more. They love having hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and PVC tubes. Driftwood is especially beneficial as they enjoy grazing on it and it aids in their digestion.
Water Conditions: They prefer a pH of 6.5–7.5 and a temperature between 72°F–80°F (22°C–27°C). Good filtration and regular water changes are important, as plecos can be heavy waste producers.
Diet: Bristlenose Plecos are primarily herbivores and excellent algae eaters. Supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and occasional protein-based foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp.
Compatibility: These plecos are peaceful and make great tankmates for a wide variety of community fish. They are generally non-aggressive and spend most of their time on the glass, substrate, or driftwood.
Breeding: Bristlenose Plecos are one of the easier plecos to breed in captivity. They are cave spawners — the male will guard and fan the eggs until they hatch. The Calico cross can produce exciting and unpredictable color variation in offspring.
Algae Control: Like all Bristlenose Plecos, the Calico variant is an excellent natural algae controller, making it as functional as it is beautiful.
