Dive into the rich hues of the Long Fin Chocolate Bristlenose Pleco, a striking variant prized for its deep cocoa-brown body and elegant, flowing fins. Selectively tank-bred for both color and finnage, this pleco transforms any freshwater setup into a showcase of luxurious texture and movement. Beyond its eye-catching appearance, it’s a diligent algae grazer and biofilm consumer, working quietly behind the scenes to keep surfaces clean.
Long Fin Chocolate Bristlenose
Care Sheet
Tank Setup
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Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (30+ gallons recommended for multiple specimens)
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Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
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Decor: Driftwood, slate/ceramic caves for grazing and hiding
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Plants: Anubias, Java fern, Bolbitis, and other low-light species
Water Parameters
Parameter Recommended Range Temperature 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) pH 6.5–7.5 Hardness (KH) 3–10 dKH Filtration Moderate to strong with gentle flow Diet and Feeding
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High-quality algae wafers or spirulina-based pellets
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Blanched vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, spinach
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Occasional protein treats: frozen bloodworms or shrimp pellets
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Natural biofilm grazing on wood and décor
Compatibility and Behavior
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Ideal tankmates: tetras, rasboras, guppies, mollies, Corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, peaceful gouramis
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Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species
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Males can be territorial; provide multiple hiding spots
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