Green Dragon Short Fin Bristlenose Pleco

This short fin green dragon bristle nose fish is an ideal addition to any aquarium. With its vibrant green colour and unique bristles, it adds a pop of colour and texture to your underwater world. Plus, its short fins make it a great choice for smaller tanks. Rest easy knowing your fish is healthy and happy.

🐟 Green Dragon Short Fin Bristlenose Pleco

Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp. (selectively bred variety)

Common Name: Green Dragon Pleco (short fin)

Coloration: Deep olive-green to dark mossy green, often with a bit of metallic sheen

Fins: Short, standard fin length (longfin variety also exists)

📏 Basic Care
Attribute    Details
Adult Size    ~4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
Tank Size    20+ gallons minimum
Lifespan    5–10 years
Temperament    Peaceful, shy bottom-dweller
Activity    Mostly nocturnal, but will graze during the day in low light

🌡️ Water Parameters
Parameter    Ideal Range
Temperature    72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH    6.5–7.5
Hardness    Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet
They're omnivores with a preference for plant matter:

Staple: Algae wafers, spirulina pellets

Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, sweet potato

Occasional protein: Bloodworms, shrimp pellets (especially for breeding or young growth)

Wood: Provide driftwood for rasping and aiding digestion

🏡 Tank Setup
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

Hiding spots: Essential—use caves, driftwood, rocks

Lighting: Moderate to low (they dislike harsh light)

Filtration: Strong but gentle current (they like oxygen-rich, clean water)

🐣 Breeding
Type: Cave spawners

Behavior: Male guards eggs until hatching (~4–10 days)

Cues: Mature males develop large bristles; females have smaller/less prominent ones

Tip: Provide a few small, snug caves or PVC tubes for spawning

✅ Pros
Great algae control

Peaceful and hardy

Unique coloration (especially under LED lighting)

Smaller than common plecos—ideal for community tanks

If you're choosing between Green Dragon and Albino Bristlenose, it mostly comes down to visual preference—both are similarly easy to care for. Want help comparing them or designing a tank that supports both?