Aquarium species profile

Rubberlip Pleco

Chaetostoma milesi · South America (Colombia and Venezuela — Andean river tributaries)

Minimum tank30 gal

Adult size4.5"

Care levelEasy

TemperamentPeaceful

Temperature68–78°F

pH range6.5–8.0

Diet

Herbivore – algae wafers, blanched vegetables, biofilm, spirulina; excellent algae-eater

Compatible tank mates

Community fish of all types, tetras, corydoras, rainbowfish

Tank mates to avoid

Very aggressive fish, overly warm tanks (needs cool, oxygenated water)

Care notes

Excellent algae-eater with large fleshy lips for scraping surfaces. Prefers cooler, highly oxygenated water from Andean hillstreams. Very peaceful and reef-safe with invertebrates. Stays small (4–5 inches) making it ideal for medium tanks. Often confused with Bulldog Pleco. Hardy and easy to keep. Eats nuisance algae without harming plants.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

Check compatibility in Fishician