Rubber Lip Pleco
Chaetostoma formosae
Family: Loricariidae • Origin: South America
Rubber Lip Plecos are one of the best algae-eating plecos that stay small AND continue eating algae as adults.
Min Tank
20 gal
Max Size
4.5"
Temperature
72-78°F
pH
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
Solo OK
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
5-15 dGH
peacefulbeginnerherbivore
Care Tips
- • One of the best algae-eating plecos
- • Stays under 5 inches
- • Continues eating algae as adult
- • Prefers slightly cooler water
- • Needs some current
Feeding: Algae (great at eating it), blanched vegetables, algae wafers.
Compatibility Notes: Actually eats algae as an adult (unlike common plecos). Great algae eater that stays small.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 20 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 30 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–78°F
- pH Range
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- herbivore
- Growth Rate
- slow
Actually eats algae as an adult (unlike common plecos). Great algae eater that stays small.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- very difficult
- Lifespan
- 10 years
Ideal For
20 gallonplanted tankalgae control
Compatible Tank Mates
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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
70-81°FpH 6-710+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.5"
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
73-84°FpH 5.5-75+ gal
peacefulschooling 8+0.8"
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
75-84°FpH 5.5-720+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2.5"
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
73-81°FpH 5.5-7.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.6"
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressiveschooling 6+1.75"
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
70-82°FpH 6-7.515+ gal
peacefulschooling 5+3"
