Rubber Pleco Care Guide
L146 Chaetostoma sp.
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Bioload Score
20000
- Max Size
- 10 cm / 4"
- Temperature
- 20–25°C (68–77°F)
- pH Range
- 6.5 – 7.5
- Min Tank Size
- 100L (26 gal)
- Min Group Size
- Can be kept alone
- Tank Level
- Bottom
- Origin
- South America
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Difficult
Diet
Primarily an algae, biofilm and detritus grazer that should be fed spirulina-rich wafers, blanched vegetables and occasional small protein foods alongside natural growth on rocks and wood.
Community Compatibility
Peaceful bottom-dwelling pleco suited to cooler, high-flow community tanks with small, non-aggressive, flow-tolerant species such as tetras, rasboras, danios and Corydoras, avoiding large or territorial bottom fish.
Good to Know
The L146 Rubber Pleco (Chaetostoma sp.) hails from cool, fast South American mountain streams and has become a favourite “bulldog” pleco for aquarists who want a compact algae grazer that stays under 10 cm and thrives in high-flow planted tanks.
Gender Differences
Males tend to be slightly larger with a broader, wider head, while females stay a bit smaller and more slender.
Stock Rubber Pleco in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Rubber Pleco fits your aquarium