Description
Species Background
Green Dragon Plecos are a selectively bred color form of the common bristlenose Ancistrus. Instead of the usual browns and speckles, they carry a deep green hue that shows beautifully against wood and dark substrate. Their ancestors come from shaded tributaries in the Amazon basin where leaf litter, driftwood, and biofilm rule the landscape. Modern tank-raised lines adapt extremely well to a wide range of freshwater conditions.
Behavior and Temperament
They’re peaceful, steady grazers that spend their time cruising driftwood, glass, and hardscape. More interested in cleaning the night shift than causing drama. They coexist well with most community fish and ignore everything that isn’t edible. Males develop bristles as they mature and may posture mildly toward each other in tight quarters.
Adult Size
Adults typically reach 4 to 5 inches.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 74 to 82°F
pH: 6.2 to 8.0
GH: 4 to 20
KH: 2 to 15
(Stable water matters more than hitting a perfect number, and tank-bred Ancistrus handle moderately hard water with ease.)
Diet
They’re omnivores with a heavy plant-leaning appetite. Offer a mix of algae wafers, spirulina pellets, blanched veggies like zucchini, and a protein source such as high-quality wafers or frozen foods a few times a week. Driftwood in the tank is important for digestion and grazing.
Tank Requirements
A 20-gallon tank is the practical minimum for an adult. They thrive with real driftwood, plenty of hiding spots, steady flow, and oxygenated water. Soft substrate or rounded gravel helps prevent barbule wear. Strong filtration is ideal because these guys are efficient at producing sawdust-sized pleco poop.
Why They’re Popular
People keep Green Dragon Plecos because they combine the fan-favorite bristlenose personality with a rare emerald coloration that grows more intense with age. They’re hardy, algae-helpful, peaceful, and look like tiny armored dragons patrolling the night.
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