Peppermint Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp. L181 / L071)
 
Overview
The Peppermint Bristlenose Pleco is a stunning and sought-after Ancistrus species known for its velvety black body covered in fine white or bluish spots. Resembling the Starlight Bristlenose (L183), this fish differs in that it lacks the white fin edging, giving it a smoother, more uniform appearance. Peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for, it’s a perfect choice for community or planted aquariums with a focus on South American biotopes.
 
Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp. (L181 / L071)
Common Name: Peppermint Bristlenose Pleco
Family: Loricariidae
Origin: Rio Negro and Rio Demini, Brazil
Adult Size: Up to 12 cm (5 inches)
Lifespan: 8–10 years
 
Appearance
The Peppermint Bristlenose features a dark black or chocolate-brown body sprinkled with numerous whites to pale blue dots. These spots may be smaller and more evenly spaced than in Ancistrus L183. Unlike the Starlight Bristlenose, it does not have a white seam on the dorsal and caudal fins. Males develop bristles on their snouts as they mature, while females have fewer or none. Under aquarium lighting, their speckled pattern gives them a “peppered” or “starry night” appearance.
 
Behavior & Temperament
Like other Bristlenoses, the Peppermint Pleco is peaceful, shy, and primarily nocturnal. It will spend its days resting in caves or beneath driftwood, coming out at night to feed. It gets along well with other calm tankmates such as tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and Corydoras. Males may display mild territorial behavior toward other bottom dwellers when caves are limited.
 
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 100 liters (25 gallons)
Temperature: 25–30°C (77–86°F)
pH Range: 5.5–7.2
Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
Lighting: Dim to moderate
Décor: Provide multiple hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and caves. Driftwood is essential for their diet and digestion. Slightly stained, tannin-rich water from botanicals like Indian almond leaves is ideal for mimicking their natural environment.
 
Diet
Peppermint Bristlenose Plecos are omnivorous grazers with a strong preference for vegetable-based foods.
Feed a balanced diet of:
Algae wafers and sinking vegetable pellets
Blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach, pumpkin)
Occasional frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp) for protein
Driftwood for fiber and grazing
Avoid overfeeding protein, which can cause digestive issues.
 
Breeding
These plecos are cave spawners, similar to other Ancistrus species.
Setup: Provide small caves or tubes with one entrance.
Process: The male guards the eggs after spawning and fans them until they hatch (about 5–7 days).
Fry Care: Newly hatched fry feed on biofilm, then can be transitioned to blanched vegetables and algae wafers. Maintaining soft, clean, and slightly acidic water promotes successful breeding.
 
Care Sheet
Tank Size: 100L+
Temperature: 25–30°C
pH: 5.5–7.2
Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore (vegetable-focused)
Temperament: Peaceful, nocturnal bottom-dweller
Breeding: Cave spawner
Lifespan: 8–10 years