The prehistoric looking Chocolate Bushynose Pleco, aka Chocolate Bristlenose and Chocolate Ancistrus, is immediately distinguishable by its highly variable brown and black marbled body pattern, as well as, the primogenial looking bristle-like appendages on its face, which appear as it matures. Both sexes will develop the appendages, but the growth and length of them are more pronounced in the males.

Unlike the widely seen common pleco, the Chocolate Bushynose (Ancistrus cirrhosus) only grows to a size of about 5 inches allowing it to thrive in even small aquariums. An excellent algae eater it will not bother plants, but will feed off any excess algae in the aquarium (thus earning its keep as the tank housekeeper) and likes a diet heavy in vegetable matter. The occasional squash or zucchini makes a great treat.

A peaceful fish it makes for a great tank mate in any community aquarium of other non-aggressive fish. Give it some hiding places in the aquarium (it especially like driftwood) as until established they tend to by shy creatures.