Bristlenose plecos can live for up to ten years. The lifespan of your bristlenose pleco will mostly depend on the amount of care and maintenance you provide.
To ensure your bristlenose plecos live long and healthy lives, you must:
- Ensure the fish have plenty of space
- Avoid overcrowding the tank
- Provide them with a varied and healthy diet
- Clean the tank at least once a month
- Change 20-50% of the water each week
- Provide them with driftwood
- Provide the tank with a proper filtration system
- Keep the water temperature between 74°F and 80°F (23°C and 26.5°C)
- Avoid keeping more than one male in a tank
