Female bristlenoses are almost "clean-shavin". (This sounds like Terry Pratchetts's observations on his dwarves in Diskworld.)

Since regular plecos (of several species) are often big fish which dig 3-foot (more or less one meter) caves in river and pond banks) I haven't had much chance to watch them. And if they can't breed in my tanks (or back yard containers) I'm not quite so keen on sorting them out. ;)

The planetcatfish crowd probably know.

That is surprising that the bristlenose would attack the Cory, especially a female. He probably has a 'stach and an attitude and is a male. I had one (8-10 year old) 8" bristlenose get along fine with several large C. reticulatus, but that was in a 55-gallon tank. Sometimes individuals have their own personality. Guess he just wants to be the only catfish in his tank.