The common bristlenose pleco (Ancistrus sp.) is a small, peaceful, and hardy catfish popular in home aquariums for its algae-eating ability, growing to only 4-6 inches, unlike the massive common pleco. Key features include unique bristles (more prominent in males), a sucker mouth, and a need for driftwood in its diet, thriving in tanks 30 gallons or larger with hiding spots and a varied diet of veggies and algae wafers.
