Moderate
Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.)
22–27°C · pH 6–8
From £3.51Some sizes on sale
A striking, peaceful armored catfish that stays manageable in size and makes a unique bottom-dwelling centerpiece for a well-maintained community aquarium. Moderate care, peaceful. 24-30C, pH 6.0-7.5.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Parancistrus sp. magnum
Max Adult Size
up to 22 cm
Lifespan
10 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Temperature
24–30°C
pH Range
6–7.5
Hardness
1–12 dGH
Minimum Tank
300L
Diet
Primarily herbivorous/detritivorous with some omnivorous supplementation
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Temperature
24–30°C
24°CIdeal30°C
pH Level
6–7.5
6Ideal7.5
Water Hardness
1–12 dGH
1 dGHIdeal12 dGH
Parancistrus sp. magnum
L047 Parancistrus sp. magnum - Catfish for Sale UK
Moderate Care
Peaceful
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Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
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A striking, peaceful armored catfish that stays manageable in size and makes a unique bottom-dwelling centerpiece for a well-maintained community aquarium. Moderate care, peaceful. 24-30C, pH 6.0-7.5.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Parancistrus sp. magnum
Max Adult Size
up to 22 cm
Lifespan
10 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Temperature
24–30°C
pH Range
6–7.5
Hardness
1–12 dGH
Minimum Tank
300L
Diet
Primarily herbivorous/detritivorous with some omnivorous supplementation
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Full Care Guide
Pleco Fish Guide: Types, Adult Size, Food & Tank Planning
‘Pleco’ is a loose aquarium-trade label, not one species or one care sheet. Before buying, confirm the scientific name or defensible L-number, adult size and measurement method, required footprint, temperature and water, diet, social plan and source. No universal pleco tank size, menu or algae result is honest.
18 min readRead guide
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
24–30°C
24°CIdeal30°C
pH Level
6–7.5
6Ideal7.5
Water Hardness
1–12 dGH
1 dGHIdeal12 dGH
Overview
The L047 Magnum Pleco (Parancistrus sp.) is a handsome, high-oxygen loving suckermouth catfish from fast-flowing South American rivers. Robust and hard-working, it grazes constantly on biofilm and algae while adding a bold, armoured presence to a mature aquarium — a rewarding L-number for keepers who can provide the flow and space it needs.
22 cm
Adult size
300 L
Min. aquarium
24–30°C
Temperature
6–7.5
pH
Moderate
Care level
10 yrs
Lifespan
Appearance & Identification
Reaching around 22cm, the L047 is a solid, broad-headed pleco with a dark, finely-spotted body and the powerful sucker-mouth typical of the group. Juveniles are often more contrasty, with markings mellowing as the fish matures into its heavy adult form.
Aquarium Setup
Provide at least 300 litres with a strong current, excellent oxygenation and plenty of smooth wood and rock caves. Warm, soft-to-neutral water (24–30°C, pH 6.0–7.5) suits it well. Bogwood is important both as cover and as a grazing surface, and powerful filtration keeps the oxygen-rich conditions this river fish demands.
Important
This is a high-oxygen, high-flow river species — in warm, still or poorly-oxygenated water it will struggle. Strong water movement and surface agitation are essential, especially at the upper end of its temperature range.
Temperament & Tank Mates
Peaceful towards most tankmates, the L047 can be territorial with other bottom-dwelling plecos, so give each catfish its own cave and sightline breaks. It mixes well with active midwater community fish and larger characins, and spends its time grazing surfaces and sheltering by day.
| Great tank mates | Best avoided |
|---|---|
| Active midwater community fish | Other territorial plecos in small tanks |
| Larger tetras and barbs | Aggressive large cichlids |
| Peaceful medium cichlids | Very slow long-finned fish |
| Non-competing catfish |
Feeding
Largely herbivorous and detritivorous, it grazes biofilm, algae and wood, and should be offered quality sinking algae wafers, catfish pellets and blanched vegetables such as courgette and spinach, with the occasional protein treat. A piece of bogwood to rasp on supports healthy digestion.
Care at a glance
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Swimming level: Bottom
- Diet: Primarily herbivorous/detritivorous with some omnivorous supplementation
- Water: 24–30°C, pH 6–7.5
Expert Tip
Add an extra powerhead aimed across the tank — L-number plecos from rapids colour up and feed best when they can sit in a brisk, oxygen-rich current.
Delivery & Live Arrival Guarantee
Every L047 Magnum Pleco is hand-selected and quarantined before sale, then packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed and sent by tracked, live-animal courier. Your order is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee, so it reaches you safely anywhere in the UK.
Customer Reviews
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What customers say about ordering from us
4.6 on Google Maps, rated 4.6 out of 5 (opens in a new tab)4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them, rated 4.4 out of 5
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
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