Bristlenose bristles

[Aura]

I was just wondering what purpose the bristles serve?

Do they continue to grow during the pleco's lifetime?

I've noticed that one of my pleco's bristles are much shorter now than they were a couple of months ago. They don't look damaged; they are still formed with the little forks on the end, but they are noticeably shorter.

Any ideas what would cause this to happen?

[MatsP]

The purpose of the bristles is not entirely clear - someone in the scientific community has suggested that they are "simulated baby bristlenoses", that is the female will see a male with bristles, thinking that they are babies, and then choose that male as father to care for her eggs, because "he looks like a good father". That is of course just one theory - but it sounds plausible to me.

As to the shrinking/growth of bristles, I always thought they were constantly growing, but slowly at a later stage in life - but it wouldn's entirely surprise me if they do shrink if the fish doesn't "feel ready to mate", e.g at warmer temperatures, or if it's starving, or such.

--
Mats

[Aura]

That's an interesting theory - I never would have thought of that one.

To me the bristles seem like they'd actually be a problem, looking a lot like something that would attract other fish looking for something wiggly and tasty to eat.

Thanks for your reply, MatsP.

[zombie]

I have also heard the bristles are used for sensing food.