Species profile
Green Dragon Bristlenose
Ancistrus sp.
Peaceful
Easy care
100 L minimum aquarium
10–13 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Green Dragon is a line-bred domestic colour strain, not a formally described Ancistrus species. Do not present the strain name as taxonomy.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–27 °C
pH
6–7.8
GH
3–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
1.8
Peaceful with most community fish, though mature males defend caves from rival bristlenose males.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
8–12 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Ancistrus sp.
Alternative names
Green Dragon Bristlenose, Green Dragon Pleco, Ancistrus sp. Green Dragon
Native range
Domestic line-bred aquarium form of the common bristlenose Ancistrus complex; no wild Green Dragon population exists.
Natural habitat
Use common bristlenose husbandry: clean freshwater with wood/rock cover, mature grazing surfaces, moderate flow and several secure caves.
Diet & feeding
Primarily algae, aufwuchs and plant-rich prepared foods, supplemented with vegetables and modest protein. Wood is useful structure/grazing substrate but is not proven to be nutritionally mandatory.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult males develop prominent tentacles over the snout and head; females usually have few or only marginal bristles.
Breeding
Male cave-spawner. The female deposits a clutch in a cave; the male guards, cleans and fans eggs and early fry.