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Freshwater fishL-146 Rubberlip Pleco
L-146 Rubberlip Pleco
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The rubberlip pleco is often seen cleaning the side of the aquarium with its broad mouth, which features oversized lips. Rubberlip plecos are voracious algae eaters and are compatible with all freshwater species. These plecos only grow to four inches in the aquarium, maybe six inches in the wild.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Chaetostoma sp. (L-146) |
| Origin | Andean streams of Colombia |
| Care Level | Moderate (needs cool, fast, oxygen-rich water) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to 4–6" |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years |
| Diet | Algae eater (also eats algae wafers) |
| Water Temperature | 68–77°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Group Size | Single or group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 2" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Rubberlip plecos come from cool, fast mountain streams. Give them a tank with strong current, high oxygen, smooth rocks covered in algae and cooler water (68–77°F). They do poorly in warm, still tanks.
Feeding: They graze on algae. Also feed algae wafers.
Tankmates: They do well with peaceful fish that like cooler, flowing water, such as danios, white clouds and hillstream loaches.
Good to know: Rubberlip plecos hold onto rocks in fast water with their broad sucker mouth.
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