Thanks for the information, it was a great help. A single RL pleco can demolish a heavily algae-infested 20-gallon tank in just under two weeks. I managed to negotiate a delivery for mine with a salesman near my location. The minimum tank size for a single Rubber Lip pleco is 20 gallons (the Long tank version is better), but as this hobby goes, it’s always recommended to scale up the minimum requirements if you can. The bottom footprint of a standard 15-gallon tank is 24.5 x 12.5 inches. Pitbull Pleco And Betta. This is one of the smaller plecos on the list and it’s only going to grow about 3″ in size which makes it great for a betta tank or small community tank. Hi, Tina, That’s actually a really good question… I was able to negotiate mine with my LFS for a delivery. King Tiger Pleco. Feed them twice a day and don’t give them more food than they can eat in a couple of minutes. Take some time each day to inspect your fish. The average max size of the rubber lip pleco is around 7 inches in length. This species loves to scavenge and investigate various surfaces, and including these will provide exactly that. I found a supplier, and your article is dead on! The Rubber Lip Pleco is quite similar to the Bristlenose from above. The rubber lipped pleco’s size should come in handy. RL plecos eat algae almost exclusively unlike other species of pleco. That might be ok when they’re not fully-grown, but once they reach their max size that’s simply not enough tank for them to be comfortable. In terms of coloration, the rubber lip pleco can vary a bit within the spectrum of grey to pale gold. This means rubber lipped plecos are rather hardy and able to tolerate a decent range of water conditions. This species of pleco remains relatively small compared to its brothers: A Rubber Lip pleco won’t outgrow 4.2 inches (10.6 cm). It looks exactly like the fish in the first picture above. A good owner always aims for perfection! You can keep one rubber lip pleco in a 20-gallon tank … I had to add some aquarium salt to my tank recently because a few fish were looking sick and they seem to be much better now. Never pair these fish with an aggressive species, because they’re too peaceful to fight back. I’d say a larger tank would make them happier. My current aquarium is a consistent 78 or so and I’ve kept it at that for quite some time. Here’s why: It’s pretty much impossible to create enough naturally occurring algae in an aquarium without compromising the general water quality (some aquarists pull it off but it’s very tricky). After actively spying on them I figured that mine would come out during the night and go about their business. One of the main reasons for this is that most fishkeepers flock to their relative, the bristlenose pleco. If you want a “hard working” fish, the Rubber Lip Pleco … They’re a good option if you have hard water, too. This can be avoided by providing them with plenty of space to roam. I know it sounds controversial, but it was my last resort back then, and there was this one friend of mine who told me it would be ok because she was breeding plecos with regular additions of aquarium salt with no problem. Most plecos can grow to a foot or more long, and they are very messy. I appreciate it. They can gradually adjust anyway, but I think they’d be somehow more comfortable at 76. Would you recommend same thing temp wise though? Hope this helps! I’ve chosen two photos with a pronounced distinctive coloration so that you could compare them. If it’s a long well-planted one – even better. Learn more. Fish stores often confuse the RL with the Rubber pleco (Parancistrus aurantiacus) and falsely advertise them as one another. That’s because we need to take into account that, for the most part, this pleco species is a bottom dweller. As you can see, sticking to a plant-based diet is highly recommended. In fact, when you look around online there aren’t any comprehensive resources available on them! Some owners say that tanks as small as 15 gallons are fine for this species but we disagree. If you’re an owner that wants a highly active fish then it’s a good idea to pass on the rubber lip pleco. A Rubber Lip Pleco can clean a whole 30-gallon fish tank from algae by itself. The general rules you should follow when picking a tank mate is temperament. Rubber lip plecos (Chaetostoma milesi) are a freshwater fish that come from South America. After some feedback from my readers, I realized that not everyone was so lucky to a Rubber Lipped pleco in their local fish store. Hope this helps! High-quality flake food will be alright too. Their pectoral fins usually look quite useless until their actually swimming. I had a small algae outbreak so i went to my LFS in search of a pleco to tackle the job. I use a very large canister filter that keeps the water clean (goldfish are dirty) and creates a lot of water flow on one side… Read more ». Very rarely breeding in captive conditions has been reported. Momchil has had his fair share of aquarium care in the past 13 years. Such conditions favor the algae allowing it to fortify its cell walls. I giggled at the part where you say you thought your pleco died because I can relate. On some occasions, people report their Rubber Lips would eat carnivore pellets as well. I don’t have any live plants as I don’t know how to care for them. If everything seems fine so far and there are some cover and hideouts (just in case! Both of these plecos have similar needs in terms of care (except, of course, tank size) hence the common confusion. despite the fact that i could merely shop one in a 30 gallon. Pleco catfish live for 20-30 years, so it will take them awhile to reach their full grown size. Rubber Lipped plecos really enjoy heavily planted aquariums, that are well-aerated. I now have you picture on my phone, and they should always have the scale look not the spotted look, yes? Rubber Lip Pleco In 10 Gallon Tank. But will the rubber lip plecostomus really snack on algae? Keep me posted, we may help… Read more ». By the way, Rubber Lip plecos do eat black algae, along with green, blue, and brown algae. A 55-gallon tank has a bottom with dimensions of 48.25 x 12.75 inches which can be ideal for this small pleco. Hey all! Depending on the current or what they’re doing, this fin might lay very close to their body, or stick up a bit higher. Though they are classified as omnivores they would much prefer sticking to a herbivorous diet. Anyway, a fully grown 7-inch specimen of Chubby Rubber pleco should be relocated to a 75 or a 100-gallon tank. They grow really slow. However, if you aren’t able to find this type of pleco where you live, you could simply order it online. Their eyes are positioned near the top of their head and are slightly elevated. If you’d like to enjoy more than one I’d strongly suggest that you provide them with at least 55 gallons of a fish tank for starters. However, when it comes to differences that’s about it. Member. For many plecos, a 100 gallon tank is the best size tank. , Note: other than this he’s acted completely normal. As soon as I turn my back, however, he’d start moving around and switching hiding places. If the water in my tank has aquarium salt in it, could this harm a RL Pleco being a scaleless fish? Anyway, they also like to hide under or hanging out on smooth-surfaced round rocks that resemble the bottom of a river. This is sustainable because of the combination of their behavior and the nutritional makeup of the algae they eat. Rubber Lipped plecos have spots on their head where the Rubber pleco (also known as Chubby pleco) has somewhat crossed stripes. I think I ordered it from Live Aquaria (online store).They share a 55 gallon tank, planted with anubias & cryptocoryne, which are about the only plants that my goldfish leaves alone. Trust me, I did it the hard way, you dont have to, I was gifted a RL pleco and sadly enough he didn’t last long before finding him dead in bottom of tank. They like to have hiding places, as they are not fond of others’ attention during the daytime. These fish have specially enlarged gills speculated to serve the purpose of breathing while being attached or feeding. This is based on natural genetic factors, age, and gender. I have a 10 gallon tank with 3 platys, 3 cory catfish and 2 African dwarf frogs (and 5 baby guppies in a mesh box that will be moved to the other tank we have set up in another week or two). The RL pleco has a yellowish-green color covered by black spots. About plants… Goldfish like to uproot plants and snack on almost all greens in the aquarium… So there’s that. All they would want to do is lie around or comfortably hide in an artificial cave. January 16, 2021 by Filed under Uncategorized. Rubber Lipped plecos don’t like living with aggressive tank mates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Here and there you can drop them some meat though, but don’t overdo it. Now that you have an understanding of what it takes to care for a rubber lip pleco, it’s time to decide if it’s right for you. This species can primarily be found in the Magdalena River in Columbia and the Apure River in Venezuela. 10 gallon tank? These are interesting creatures that are a great fit for the right kind of aquarist. The most distinctive differences between the two, in layman’s terms, are the maximum growth size and the coloration. From there you can start to address the issue directly. I really hope your brand new tank is properly cycled, or you’ll just kill the pleco and waste all your money. Here’s how a rubber lipped pleco (Chaetostoma formosae) looks like: And here’s how a rubber (Chubby) pleco looks: They can also get territorial among each other, other plecos, or any catfish, for that matter. It’s after dark when they will feed on your algae. Each of them will mostly occupy the bottom footprint of your fish tank, though some would also hang out on the glass. Author Note: It’s worth noting that rubber lip plecos have been known to get territorial with other plecos from time to time. 2. February 6, 2021 masuzi. Lately, you’ve been dreaming of having your own suckermouth pleco, but don’t really want to look after a 2 feet long monster. Once they get comfortable with externally-supplied foods (meaning you feeding them) that deviate from a mainly algae-based diet they may give up on your aquarium’s algae. In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. This information is important to know since it will impact how you prepare their tank (more on that a bit later). Learn more about that in the guide I wrote on exterminating black algae for good. I had a clown pleco and a bristlenose pleco … Small Pleco Fish That Grow To No More Than 4.3 Inches, pretty decent guide on where to find such wood, A 55-gallon tank has a bottom with dimensions of 48.25 x 12.75 inches, Truths & Myths About Lucky Bamboo in the Aquarium, A Guide (+ Chart) to Choosing Glofish Tank Mates. Whenever I was watching my Galactic Algae Destroyer, as I named him, he would just stand still and pretend to be a statue. A reply would be well appreciated, but if not that’s fine too! He stopped eating once he saw the camera. I have just started up my first fish tank and was deciding what type of pleco to get. Driftwood and rocks are also smart things to include. During this time he has made MANY mistakes and thus learned A LOT. These rivers undergo a fair amount of change during the rainy season. Your tank should ratio should be 1 gallon of water for one inch of fish. I have a good canister filter. We believe that you shouldn’t attempt breeding unless you’re confident in the outcome. I am in Los Angeles, I have tried many of the larger aquarium stores and the only place that says they have the Rubber Lip is Pet Smart, and I find that suspect….. L444 is what I should reference yes? However, it is possible for them to lose interest in the natural growth of your aquarium. The Rubber Lip Pleco is another common Pleco in stores. This can be particularly entertaining if it’s the glass of your aquarium! If you know of anyone who has successfully bred rubber lip plecos we would love to hear from them and feature their tips in this guide. In Aquanswers, Momchil shares knowledge about freshwater and saltwater home aquariums with the people from his community. Ask around on fishkeeping forums, perhaps? However, I’d recommend relocating him when the time comes. Near the eyes, their body begins to taper gradually all the way to the base of their caudal fin. They’re one of the most peaceful freshwater species we know of! Besides “Rubber lip pleco”, other common names are striped Rubber nose pleco, striped or blonde bulldog pleco, Chaetostoma sp. Hello!! On the other hand, bristlenose plecos grow to only about three inches, so a ten gallon tank … Make sure you put yours in a friendly environment, avoiding aggressive aquariums. Exactly as the picture shows. In small tanks (20 gallons) Chubby plecos should reach about 5 inches at max, before being relocated to a larger one. Does this pleco species require extensive care? To see some good ideas on calm community fish that will get along with your Rubber Lips, click here. FishTank Maniacz. I’m hoping to get a Chubby Pleco in a few days! Dwarf gouramis are generally considered peaceful, but on some occasions (you know..personalities…), they may act as semi-aggressive fish. White spots, damaged fins, a lack of appetite, or general lethargy are all signs that there’s a problem. He’s attaching himself upside-down to my aquatic plant, now reading this article I’d like to state I haven’t introduced him to a female nor even had a female. Temperature, water levels, and various parameters all shift during this time. It’s known for its cleaning capabilities. I agree about Pet Smart though. None of the pet stores around me sell them. Yes, David, that’s on the head. This species is not very fragile, but they’re not invincible. I had my water tested at LFS and they said there is absolutely nothin wrong with the water, so I’m hoping to add a new one soon. Learn how your comment data is processed. I didn’t know which comment to approve so approved them both! Normally people get plecos and think they are going to clean the tank and stay small and they don't it's torture to keep them in a small tank … To someone familiar with aquarium sizes, these arguments are meaningless. Make sure he has hiding places where he could retreat when bothered by others – increase decoration if needed. This means if you’re considering having them share a tank with a bristlenose or clown pleco you’ll need to ensure that they have plenty of space and an area to call their own. They will greatly appreciate smooth stones or wood under a current for their chill spots. I have a 50 gallon corner tank with a school of 8 tiger barb(4 green platinum and 4 albino) and 8 barb(4 cherry and 4 gold). If you’re looking for a unique and easy to care for fish that isn’t super popular, this could be the species for you. rubber lip pleco vs bristlenose. Jul 31, 2012. The rubber pleco, on the other hand, can grow to seven inches. Shop all fish goldfish, betta & more online Would a rubber lipped pleco do okay in a planted 29gallon tank kept at 78 degrees? my tanks temperature stays between 76-78°f i asked the person in the LFS which pleco would be a good tank mate and described my other fish and i was sold the rubber lip mostly cause my wife said it was cuter then the other choices. The average rubber lip pleco lifespan is around 10-12 years with good care. Plecos need at least a 75 gallon tank; as they can grow to that size. Rubber lip pleco 101 care max size t and more rubber lipped pleco size t tank mateore rubber lip pleco care t lifespan tank size and more www aquariumfashion com how to best care for a rubber lip pleco … 3. A medium to high water flow is a must as their natural habitats are the rivers in Peru, South America. However, they have been found in smaller rivers and streams that tie in with these larger rivers as well. Angelfish won't stay in a 10 gallon tank. for 3 you would be wanting extra like a 50+ gallon. Especially if you have more than 1 male. Their size will be impacted by diet, genetics, and general quality of care. They are also avid algae consumers (under certain conditions). I’ve never had the luck to witness mine become gold, as it appears the fish decides when that will happen and if it will happen. Stress can have an impact on their well-being as with every other fish. These rivers undergo a fai… The general hardness of the water should be between 10 and 15 dGH. I’ve had mine add about an inch in one and a half years. This is one of the easiest parts of rubber lip pleco care. I used aquarium salt and my pleco seemed fine throughout the whole treatment. One of the most important things you can include in their tank is plants. Now that you understand their behavior, it’s time to go over some viable rubber lip pleco tank mates. This only happens in extreme cases when they were fed this way from an early age. for 2 you need to have on the bare minimum a 30 gallon tank. Another easy-breeding and colorful live-bearer is the Platy Fish, and you can keep up to 5 adults in a 10-gallon tank or a group of 3 in a mixed community. If you’re hoping that they will keep your algae growth under control you’d need to confirm that they are still interested in that. I purchased it about a year ago as a tankmate for my fancy goldfish. The first line usually starts near the front of their pectoral fin and they get straighter and closer together the further back they go. Image by: Mark Smith. Is this behavior okay? Author Note: When performing water changes you should be very cautious. I want to get another one eventually but worried about it happening again and they aren’t cheap at my LFS. Crowntail Betta 101: Care, Lifespan, Facts & More! Yes, a rubber lip would be a suitable tank mate for a goldfish because they enjoy similar water temperature and won’t be aggressive towards each other. Rubber Lip Plecostomus at PetSmart. The Chubby Rubber pleco, as established, will reach about 7 inches (17.7 cm), which is still not near enough a Common pleco. Desperate. Will a rubber lipped pleco be a good addition to my tank? RL plecos will not really bother your other fish, unless there are other plecos, as they get a tiny bit territorial among each other. They’re also one of the most herbivorous of Pleco, preferring an almost … If you want to add other cleaning fish – head over… Read more ». Other common names for this fish are the rubber lipped pleco and the rubbernose pleco. They are mostly documented for being territorial towards their species, other plecos or similar looking catfish. ), then a RL will work, yes. Because of this, we don’t want to give broad advice since that won’t be very useful. Their maximum size is 5 inches. If that doesn’t work, however, then yes, you can order them online, and that’s not hard to do it from a reputable fish retailer. I’m just hoping this time I can keep the lil guy alive for quite some time. They aren’t very big fish unlike some of the other popular plecos out there, which makes them a great pet for home aquariums. He will keep them safe from the stream with his fins. Author’s note: Some online sources argue whether a Rubber Lipped pleco should be kept in 15 or 25-gallon tanks. I made sure to explain exactly how they look because I already knew I could end up with different-sized fish. Anyway, Rubber Lippled plecos are slow growers, so don’t be bothered if yours does not hit these numbers soon after its arrival. This guide covers everything you need to know about ribber lip pleco care. Thanks for the tip! To have someone furiously cleaning the tank for you is a luxury, right? I would not recommend them for an aquarium as small as ten gallons. That being said you should never count on algae growth alone for your RL pleco’s diet. This will make sure your pleco … I'm new to aquaria and have had a 12 gallon tank going for almost 5 months with 4 guppies. These fish are extremely peaceful and don’t want to cause any problems with others. Do you know where I can buy a rubber lip? They can definitely be placed among the ultimate algae-destroying machines. The RL pleco can grow up to be 7″ long depending on the size of your aquarium. Or so I’ve witnessed in my personal experience. Hi,I had just recently purchased a RL Pleco for a tank mate for my 2 goldfish. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just spend a few minutes watching them. If you already bought yours or plan to get one soon you will be satisfied with either. Be diligent about maintaining top-notch water quality and not introducing poor food into their diet. The same can be said for their caudal fin. Any of the best floating plants can work, but feel free to experiment if you want. In the wild, this species eats mostly algae and spends its time near the substrate since it is a bottom-feeder. Don’t worry if you’ve got the Rubber pleco, this guide is for you as well. They’re pretty much always munching on (or suctioned to) something, so they only need to keep tabs on what’s above them! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This has led to them being confused with other species of pleco by owners and breeders alike. With good care, the RL plecos will live up to 12 years. He will then protect them from predators. Rubber lip Pleco in a 29 gallon tank. If you want to keep a pit-bull pleco, make sure you have at least a 20-gallon tank. Shares a tank with 5 Cory catfish, 1 dwarf gourami, 6 neon tetra, 1 guppy, 1 ghost shrimp & 1 nerite snail. Minimum Tank Size: 40-50 gallons; 8. These fish are pretty hardy due to their varying conditions they come from which means you have a bit of a safety net when setting up their tank. the better the extra suitable. You want to match them up with other peaceful fish that want to mind their own business. They may not grow much, but they do require their scavenging space. 20 Gallon Tank Rubber Lip Pleco? Some rocks or other artificial decors might come in handy. And will most definitely NOT fit in my tank. It looks significantly smaller when they’re not using it to swim. 1. In captivity, the rubber lipped pleco will be totally fine eating veggies and algae-based foods that you give them. This allows them to keep a lookout for predators while they scavenge near the bottom. Aquanswers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or other websites of the like. Chaetostoma is part of the largest family of catfish – the suckermouth armored catfishes. These will also be used as places to hide if your fish wants to get some privacy. This assumes that you’re providing them with an optimal habitat and a great diet. You can always get a new tank when your pleco reaches its full size. Rubber Lip Pleco. Some of our favorite food and diet options for these fish are algae flakes or wafers, leafy greens, cucumbers, and peas. Will your goldfish be too cranky about it? Last, is the pit-bull pleco. Thanks for the advice!!! Dont add anymore fish until uput tank is cycled. I’m slowly doing some water changes to try and get s much salt out of the aquarium as I can before introducing a new Pleco. Rubber Lipped Pleco: Care and Species Guide for Beginners | … They can eat freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex worm, or brine shrimp. They are a really great fish and I am trying my best to popularize them! Yes, they are slow growers and your guys should be fine for a good amount of time. The bottom of a standard 25-gallon tank covers 24.25 x 12.5 inches, the same as a standardly shaped 20-gallon Tall tank. When I’m about to get one I always ask the guys at the store to give them some veggie or algae wafers, just to make sure they will eat it. Can i buy them online? Here are some example tank mates that will work well: This list is just a sample of the tank mate options you have. On the opposite side, the rubber plecos reach up to 7 inches, later shifting from grey to gold-ish coloration. Do share… Read more ». L444. I read that pygmy corys would do great with my selection of fish and the size of my tank… This is where some people get a little bit mixed up. If you haven’t any, I have a pretty decent guide on where to find such wood. As long as you stick to the guidelines we mentioned above you should be just fine. They’ll also be a welcome snack for your rubber lipped pleco to nibble on! In the wild, it goes like this: The male will attach himself upside down under a flat surface right above where the eggs were laid. This type of pleco is very low-maintenance and a lot of fun to care for. In a 10 gallon … I strongly suggest that you try that first. Plants of any kind provide a lot of benefits to your tank by filtering and oxygenating the water. The recommended ranges are quite generous which gives you a bit of wiggle room. I can not find anyone that sells the Rubber lip, any suggestions? The other reason why naturally-growing algae isn’t a good option is due to their behavior. However, it’s always a good idea to have an understanding of what the ideal conditions are so you can provide the best care possible. A Plecostomus can grow up to 18", and it will literally outgrow your tank. Another reason they may not be interested in cleaning up a tank is not enough CO2 for your plants. Breeding rubber lipped plecos is something of a mystery in the aquarist community. The temperature should not go above 78 IMO. Other common names for this fish are the rubber lipped pleco and the rubbernose pleco. I’ve recently purchased a new pleco a few days ago, he’s definitely not the first one I’ve had, and noticed something strange. Millie is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been addicted ever since. If yours looks like the one in the photo and hasn’t grown much, then you probably got the right one. What is the water temp you would recommend? The rubber lip pleco has the classic “pleco” appearance. The breeding process can be taxing on your fish no matter if it’s successful or not. Want to make sure my tank is perfect before trying to add… Read more », Hi, Mr. CJS, Most all scaleless fish are sensitive to salt by definition. Have you noticed any aggression among them? However, my experience shows that rubber lips can tolerate small quantities (usually used as a preventive measure). These fish can be sensitive to parameter shifts, so don’t do too much at a time. In the wild, rubber lip pleco diets consist almost entirely of algae. Their fins are what you would expect from a pleco as well. I can’t say it was a waste of money, as I really like these creatures, but rather a waste of talent. When they’re out in the open they’ll usually be using their sucker mouth to latch onto a surface they’re interested in. Are they as aggressive as their larger cousins? If he’s doing it near the stream of the filter it may or may NOT be a mating behaviour of some sort. For a 10 gallon, I'd recommend keeping no … If you’re situated in the US, you can definitely try online sellers, but that’s a hit and miss approach. Water requirements, tank size, ideal diet, and more!