L146a Rubber Lip Pleco

Remarks:  Rubber lip plecos come from the highly unique Chaetostoma genus. Members of this genus are very odd compared to other Loricariids with the Ancistrus genus being the only ones that bear much resemblance to them despite not being closely related. They have wide, flat bodies, large mouths, and very little armor plating compared to other plecos. Rubber lip plecos’ flat bodies evolved to help them not get swept away in the current in their natural habitats that consist of rocky rapids full of rounded stones and clear, pristine waters. These areas are mostly located around the Andes which are typically a cooler climate compared to the rest of the continent of South America. The L146a rubber lip pleco specifically inhabits the Magdalena River basin in Colombia. Usually, this collection point is what is used to identify them as many rubber lips look similar.   With their natural habitat consisting of clean and well oxygenated conditions, this needs to be replicated in captivity for them to thrive. This can be achieved using aerators, wavemakers, and filters that cause heavy surface agitation. Rubber lip plecos will also benefit from cooler conditions around the low 70s (°F) as warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. In the wild, they feed mainly by scraping the surfaces of rocks and branches for aufwachs, algae, insect larvae, and tiny invertebrates. Rubber lip plecos therefore benefit from a varied diet in captivity with fresh vegetables and gel foods being a suitable choice for a staple food. They can be a great addition to a clean up crew as they will voraciously feed on surface algae in the aquarium.   While rubber lip plecos can be demanding in regards to water quality and oxygen levels, they are very forgiving when it comes to pH and water hardness. They can be rather adaptable and prefer parameters closer to neutral compared to most Loricariids. They are also peaceful and can do well alone as well as in groups. They get along with most fish so long as they are not overly aggressive, territorial, or large enough to swallow the rubber lip pleco. All these aspects combined with their small size make the rubber pleco an excellent addition to many aquariums.