LDA72 Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus triradiatus) 3–4″ for Sale in Canada

The LDA72 Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus triradiatus) 3–4″ is a fascinating specialty freshwater pleco prized by aquarists and collectors for its distinctive appearance, compact size, and natural algae-grazing behaviour.

This LDA-number bristlenose is an excellent option for hobbyists who want something more unusual than a standard common bristlenose. At 3–4 inches, the specimen is already at an attractive juvenile-to-subadult size while retaining room for further growth.

Like other Ancistrus, it has an armored body and specialized sucker-shaped mouth that allow it to graze across aquarium glass, rocks, driftwood, and other surfaces.

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in specialty freshwater fish and unusual aquarium species for Canadian aquarists.

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Why Choose LDA72 Bristlenose?

A Specialty Pleco for Collectors

The LDA72 designation makes this fish particularly interesting to pleco enthusiasts who enjoy collecting less-common Ancistrus and L-number/LDA-number varieties.

Key Features

• Common name: LDA72 Bristlenose Pleco
• Scientific name: Ancistrus triradiatus
• Listed size: 3–4 inches
• Specialty LDA-number pleco
• Compact body
• Armored exterior
• Sucker-shaped mouth
• Natural algae and biofilm grazer
• Bottom-dwelling behaviour
• Generally peaceful temperament
• Excellent specialty community fish

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LDA72 Bristlenose Size

Current Size: 3–4 Inches

This listing is for an approximately 3–4-inch LDA72 Bristlenose.

Bristlenose plecos generally remain much smaller than giant pleco species, with adults commonly reaching around 4–5 inches (10–13 cm), although final size varies according to genetics, diet, and aquarium conditions.

At 3–4 inches, this fish is an excellent size for aquarists looking for a more established specimen.

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Aquarium Size and Setup

Recommended Aquarium

A 30-gallon aquarium or larger can be suitable for an adult LDA72 Bristlenose, depending on stocking levels and available bottom territory.

If keeping multiple plecos, provide a larger aquarium with sufficient caves and territories.

Recommended Aquarium Features

• Mature biological filtration
• Good water circulation
• Strong oxygenation
• Aquarium-safe driftwood
• Pleco caves
• Smooth rocks
• Shaded areas
• Open bottom territory
• Natural grazing surfaces

Driftwood and Caves

Driftwood is highly beneficial for Ancistrus. It provides shelter and additional surfaces for grazing.

Caves are also important because they provide secure hiding places and can eventually be used as spawning sites.

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Water Parameters

LDA72 Bristlenose Care Guide

• Scientific name: Ancistrus triradiatus
• LDA number: LDA72
• Listed size: 3–4 inches
• Adult size: Approximately 4–5 inches
• Temperature: Approximately 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Care level: Easy to Moderate
• Temperament: Generally peaceful
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous/omnivorous
• Aquarium level: Bottom
• Activity: Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular

Stable water quality, good filtration, and adequate oxygenation are important for long-term health.

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What Does LDA72 Bristlenose Eat?

Give Your Pleco a Balanced Diet

Although Ancistrus naturally graze on algae and biofilm, aquarium algae should not be their only source of nutrition.

Recommended foods include:

• Spirulina wafers
• Algae wafers
• Sinking pleco pellets
• Vegetable-based foods
• Blanched zucchini
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Spinach
• Kale
• Quality gel foods

A varied diet helps maintain healthy growth and body condition.

Feeding Tip

Offer sinking foods in the evening or after aquarium lights are dimmed. Bristlenose plecos are generally most active at night.

Remove uneaten vegetables before they deteriorate and affect water quality.

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Behaviour and Temperament

Peaceful Bottom Dweller

The LDA72 Bristlenose is generally peaceful and can be kept with many compatible freshwater community fish.

It may spend daylight hours resting under driftwood or inside caves before becoming more active after dark.

Typical behaviour includes:

• Grazing aquarium glass
• Feeding on biofilm
• Exploring driftwood
• Searching for food
• Moving across rocks
• Exploring caves

As with other bristlenose plecos, males can become territorial toward other males, particularly when hiding places are limited.

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Compatible Tank Mates

Suitable Community Aquarium Fish

Potential tank mates include:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Gouramis
• Peaceful dwarf cichlids
• Livebearers
• Small South American fish
• Other compatible peaceful tropical fish

Avoid

• Aggressive predators
• Highly territorial fish
• Persistent fin-nippers
• Fish that constantly harass bottom dwellers
• Excessive competition for caves

Providing several hiding places can help reduce territorial competition.

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LDA72 Bristlenose Natural Aquarium

Build a Pleco-Friendly Habitat

A natural-style aquarium can provide the shelter and grazing opportunities this pleco needs.

Consider adding:

• Aquarium-safe driftwood
• Smooth river rocks
• Pleco caves
• Hardy aquatic plants
• Leaf litter
• Shaded areas
• Open bottom space
• Good water movement

Driftwood and caves can help recreate the sheltered environment preferred by many Ancistrus.

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Breeding LDA72 Bristlenose

Cave-Spawning Behaviour

Bristlenose plecos are popular with aquarists interested in breeding specialty Ancistrus.

A breeding aquarium should provide:

• Mature males and females
• Suitable spawning caves
• Excellent water quality
• Strong oxygenation
• Stable temperature
• Nutritious food
• Multiple shelters
• Minimal disturbance

A mature male typically selects and guards a suitable cave during spawning.

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LDA72 Bristlenose vs. Common Bristlenose

A Specialty Collector’s Pleco

Common Bristlenose:
Usually refers to more widely available Ancistrus varieties kept as general-purpose algae grazers.

LDA72 Bristlenose:
A specialty Ancistrus associated with the LDA72 designation, making it particularly appealing to pleco collectors and aquarists looking for less-common varieties.

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Why Buy LDA72 Bristlenose from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Specialty Plecos for Canadian Aquarists

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in freshwater fish, bristlenose plecos, L-number and LDA-number plecos, rare aquarium species, monster fish, aquarium foods, and specialist aquarium supplies.

The LDA72 Bristlenose (Ancistrus triradiatus) 3–4″ is an excellent choice for Canadian aquarists searching for a distinctive specialty pleco with manageable size and peaceful community behaviour.

A Great Pleco for Collectors

Its combination of specialty LDA72 identification, compact size, armored body, natural grazing behaviour, peaceful temperament, and collector appeal makes this fish an interesting addition to a suitable freshwater aquarium.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an LDA72 Bristlenose?

LDA72 is a designation associated with this specialty Ancistrus bristlenose pleco, listed here as Ancistrus triradiatus.

2. What size is this LDA72 Bristlenose?

This listing is for an approximately 3–4-inch specimen.

3. How large can it become?

Bristlenose plecos commonly reach approximately 4–5 inches, although individual growth can vary.

4. Is LDA72 Bristlenose peaceful?

Yes. It is generally peaceful with compatible freshwater community fish, although mature males may be territorial toward other males.

5. What does an LDA72 Bristlenose eat?

It benefits from algae and spirulina wafers, sinking pleco foods, and vegetables such as blanched zucchini and cucumber.