Do BN's prefer to be in pairs
 

I've got a nice big male bristlenose (about 8 inches) with huge bristles:-). He seems happy and active in the evenings (in his cave most of the day). Would he be happier in a pair and if so would it make any difference the age of a new companion. And if he would be happier in a pair how do you "sex" a young female BN?

Kenster

hi
i don't think they need another,he may find it an intrusion(sp)of his space.

I've read that it's very common for two male bristles to fight for territory so unless you got a female (and wanted lots of babies) I wouldn't do it.

my BN and my black pleco will sometimes ram eachother for space on the glass (not that there isn't a 46 gallon tank worth of space to suck onto). other than that they stay on opposite sides of the tank. i think they would both be happier without the other haha.

I agree from what I've read and seen on youtube :-)

I've read that they are okay in multiples when young, but then get territorial over time.

My BN, under a year old I believe, has recently taken to "claiming" his algae tab by bumping around his body when the loaches, formerly welcome guests on the tab, will eat around his mouth.

Are you sure it's a Bushy nosed pleco? They only get to be 4-5 inches max full grown. You said yours is 8" big maybe it's a common pleco they can grow to about 12". I have had more then 2 and the bigger one would chase the other smaller ones away and take over all the bottom pellets. Unless you want lots of babies I say 1 would be ok and yours is a big one at 8".

cheers steph,

Think I'll leave him to be lord of the manor and the BIGGEST daddy in the tank :-D

kenster

Defo a bristlenose, I'll post a photo shortly....he's huge!!!:-D

Post a pic of that bad boy. I've never seen a bristle that large before!!

Haven't got a good one yet with something to show scale, as soon as I move he's off like a shot. Only just in from work and busy tonight but I'll get a good one up soon. Here's a cracker of him face on....i'm sure he's smiling:-D

Kenster