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Freshwater fishL-187A Spotted Rubberlip Pleco
L-187A Spotted Rubberlip Pleco
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The spotted rubberlip is a close cousin of the rubberlip pleco and may be crossbred, but in the wild these plecos are generally found in separate groups. Spotted rubberlip plecos have the same body shape as the common rubberlip but feature a light spotted pattern and are often called albino rubberlips by the fishermen, though they are not true albinos.
These plecos are similar in behavior too: great scavengers, somewhat shy and good tank mates.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Chaetostoma sp. (L-187A) |
| Origin | Andean streams of Colombia |
| Care Level | Moderate (needs cool, fast, oxygen-rich water) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to 4–5" |
| 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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