The best treats include blanched veggies such as:
- Spinach
- Peas
- Green beans
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Zucchini (preferably fresh)
- Spinach.
- Romaine lettuce.
- Spirulina.
- Peas.
- Cucumber.
- Seaweed algae sheets.
- Algae Wafers.
Do rubber lip pleco eat hair algae?
Yes, a Rubber Lip Pleco will eat hair algae. They have sharp teeth that are perfect for scraping algae off of rocks and other surfaces in the tank. They will also eat other types of algae, making them ideal for cleaning up an aquarium.
What size tank for a rubber lip pleco?
A 30-gallon fish tank is perfect for rubber lip pleco as it allows you to add multiple species of plants, little hiding spaces, and some rocks and logs. If you want your fish to reach their maximum lifespan, you need to make their tank comfortable to stop them from becoming distressed and depressed.
Where do rubber lip pleco live?
Rubber lip pleco is mainly found in the Magdalena River in Columbia and in the Apure River in Venezuela. You might also catch the sight of a few groups of fish in the rivers connecting the two together. This is a bottom-feeding fish, which means that they are found near the substrate of the river and aquarium in both the wild and in captivity.
Is the rubber nose pleco the right fish for You?
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. We’ve always found the rubber nose pleco to be quite enjoyable to observe no matter what it’s doing!
What does a rubber lip pleco eat?
Rubber Lip Pleco Diet & Food In the wild, rubber lip pleco diets consist almost entirely of algae. This is sustainable because of the combination of their behavior and the nutritional makeup of the algae they eat. But in captivity, you can't rely on aquarium algae alone.
Do rubber lip plecos eat plants?
Diet and feeding Unlike other pleco species that are omnivorous, wild Rubber Lipped plecos are almost exclusively algae eaters and will do a great job of eating any algae growing on the glass, decorations, or plants in your tank.
Can a rubber lip pleco live in a 20 gallon tank?
A fully grown rubber lip pleco needs to be in a fish tank that is a minimum of 25 to 30 gallons.
How long do rubber lip plecos live?
Rubber Lip Plecos are one of the smaller species of Plecos, since they only reach 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in size....Rubber Lip Pleco (L146): Care, Size, Temperature & Food.Common Name(s)Rubber Lip pleco, Rubber Lipped pleco, Rubbernose PlecoLifespan10-12 yearsWater pH6.5-89 more rows
Do rubber lip pleco eat brown algae?
By the way, Rubber Lip plecos do eat black algae, along with green, blue, and brown algae. They can definitely be placed among the ultimate algae-destroying machines.
Do rubber lip plecos eat black beard algae?
2:363:27Black Beard Algae Control: Day 18 W/ a Rubber Lip Pleco - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe rubber lip pleco. However. Very very obviously eats. The black beard algae. And has gotten thisMoreThe rubber lip pleco. However. Very very obviously eats. The black beard algae. And has gotten this tank very cleaned up so make sure you're subscribed you don't want to miss the update.
Can I have 2 plecos in the same tank?
"No" to Multiple Plecos Together They often do wonderfully alongside other types of community freshwater fish. When plecos reach maturity, they simply cannot get along with fellow plecos. They can be highly territorial around each other. Therefore, it can be extremely dangerous ever to house them together.
Do plecos clean your tank?
You may even have searched for fish that clean the tank. In freshwater aquariums, “Plecos” (short for plecostomus and used to refer to fish of the family Loricariidae) are one of the most common fish purchased to aid in algae cleanup.
Are rubber lip plecos shy?
Rubber lip plecos are shy creatures who like to hide and stay out of trouble. Like most plecos, RL plecos are most active at night. The rubber lip pleco is typically non-aggressive and peaceful with other species in the tank. However, plecos are sometimes territorial with other plecos.
How can you tell if a rubber lip pleco is male or female?
To distinguish between male and female Rubber Lip Pleco, we must notice the difference in their size. Male plecos are larger than females. Male Rubber Lip Plecos have a giant head, pectoral fins, and a slimmer abdomen than their female counterparts.
Why is my black pleco turning white?
If your pleco is turning white, it means that it could be dying and needs your immediate attention. The most common reasons a pleco will turn white are poor nutrition, stress, disease, or inadequate tank conditions.
Do rubber lip plecos eat BBA?
0:404:28Rubber Lip "Pleco" Eating BBA For 30 Days - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCyanobacteria out of there so I did remove some of that myself however most of it was the result ofMoreCyanobacteria out of there so I did remove some of that myself however most of it was the result of this rubber lip let go getting in there.
Will rubber lip pleco eat fry?
Will rubber lipped plecostomus eat other fish? Yes, they are scavengers and will snack on anything that dies in your tank. They will also opportunistically eat any eggs or fry they come across as well: But they are not aggressive and don't usually attack and kill their tank mates.
How can you tell if a rubber lip pleco is male or female?
To distinguish between male and female Rubber Lip Pleco, we must notice the difference in their size. Male plecos are larger than females. Male Rubber Lip Plecos have a giant head, pectoral fins, and a slimmer abdomen than their female counterparts.
Which is the smallest pleco?
Average Size: 2.4 inches. One of the smallest pleco fish, the dwarf snowball, has white polka dots all over its body.
How big of a tank do plecos need?
Housing Requirements for Plecostomus For example, the common pleco, Hypostomus plecostomus, can grow to over 12" and will eventually need an aquarium of at least 75 gallons, while Otocinclus will be perfectly content in a 10-gallon tank.
What is a rubber lip pleco?
A hardy, peaceful fish, the Rubber Lip pleco is known to keep to itself near the substrate. You’ll often catch your new catfish friend hiding in a cave or beneath driftwood- or even suckered to a surface in your tank. Like other plecos, the Rubber Lip pleco is a nocturnal bottom-dweller, so don’t be concerned if they seem inactive and are often hiding. They are quite curious scavengers and enjoy checking out various surfaces- or they’re just waiting for lights out!
What do plecos eat?
While the Rubber Lip pleco is an omnivore, they favour a more herbivorous diet; in the wild, they eat almost exclusively algae. However, the algae in your tank does not have the same nutritional profile as that in their natural habitat, and therefore, the Rubber Lip pleco cannot survive on that alone. In some cases, aquarists have tried to foster an environment in which more sustaining algae can grow. Unfortunately, this is very challenging and even if successful, may not be in quantities high enough to feed your new pleco. Luckily these guys are more than happy to munch on veggies and other greens.
What temperature do rubber lip plecos like?
Temperature: The Rubber Lip pleco prefers warm water between 72-78°F (22-26°C), but can tolerate cooler water due to the high seasons they are used to in the wild.
What is the difference between a rubber lip pleco and a bristlenose pleco?
The Rubber Lip pleco is quite similar to both the Bristlenose and common pleco in both appearance and behaviour. The Bristlenose pleco is a close relative of the Rubber Lip pleco, sharing care needs and features. Both are quite peaceful, and rather little- the Bristlenose, however, is usually a bit smaller, ranging between 3-5 inches. They’re also both avid algae eaters, are suitable for similar tank mates and are relatively low maintenance fish for the beginner hobbyist. The Bristlenose, however, is usually more colourful, and is hardier to varying water conditions and potential threats, making them better suited to being paired with some more feisty characters.
What is the best place to put plecos in a tank?
A tank with many plants, driftwood and other hiding places is best suited to the Rubber Lip pleco. Any freshwater plants are suitable for these fish, with floating plants as great options. Don’t be alarmed if you see your pleco suckered onto your plant’s leaves; they’re likely just snacking on any algae on the vegetation. Furthermore, soft substrate that mimics the riverbed (i.e. smooth rocks) is necessary, as the Rubber Lip pleco will spend most of its time at the bottom of your tank.
How long can a rubber lip pleco live?
With proper care, the Rubber Lip pleco can live to be between 10-12 years in captivity. They are hardy fish, affected only by common fish diseases such as Ich. Ich is a parasitic infection that is highly transmittable but easily treated. It manifests itself as white spots on the fishes’ body; if you notice your fish suffering be sure to quarantine it in a separate tank and medicate with an over-the-counter prescription.
How big of a tank do you need for a rubber lip pleco?
While the Rubber Lip pleco is a small fish, a tank that is at least 25 gallons (95 liters) is necessary. Some may claim that the fish can survive in smaller tanks, but we recommend that the tank is large enough for them to be comfortable and thrive. If you are considering keeping them with other fish, particularly other plecos, a tank of at least 55 gallons (208 liters) is needed. If you have the space and the means, always try and provide your pleco with the largest tank possible.
How much water does a rubber lip pleco need?
The recommended tank size for one Rubber lip pleco is going to be 25-30 gallons of water in an aquarium. For juvenile plecos, a 15-gallon tank is a minimum required for their comfort.
What is a rubber lipped pleco?
Rubber-lipped plecos are a species of bottom feeders whose habits and behaviors remain mostly elusive to researchers. The word “Pleco’ is short for Plecostomus, a collective group (genus) of catfish. There are over 1,000 species of suckermouth armored catfishes, with new species still being discovered and reclassified month by month.
What is the best substrate for plecos?
Rubber lip plecos do best in highly oxygenated waters (fine sand substrate with smooth, large pebbles is ideal) that are spacious and slightly warm (kept between 70-80 ). Since plecos are bottom-feeding scavengers, they do best with a substrate that won’t cause injury to their abdomens, medium to high water flow is also ideal as it mimics the conditions in their natural habitats.
How long do rubber lipped plecos live?
In Captivity, these plecos can live up to over a decade if they’re well taken care of. Rubber Lipped Plecos are said to be an easygoing, adaptable, and peaceful species who are capable of being amicable with their tankmates.
Why do rubber plecos have eyes so close to their heads?
As they spend much of their time near or at the bottom of the seafloor, their eyes being so close to the tops of their heads is actually an adaptation that allows rubber plecos to be on the lookout for any potential predators that might come their way.
Where do plecos live?
Species occur in swift-flowing streams from the lowlands up to 3.000 m (9.800 ft) in elevation .
How do male squid guard eggs?
The male will guard the eggs by shielding them with his body. As far as sexual dimorphism is concerned, the males have however a larger and broader head, slimmer ventral sides, and disproportionately large pelvic fins in comparison to the females of the species. Some research suggests that the oversized pelvic fins of the male play a large role in the fertilization of the eggs.
What does a rubber lipped pleco look like?
A rubber-lipped pleco has the regular “pleco” look just like other species of pleco. Sometimes this similarity has even made some breeders and owners confuse them with other species of pleco.
How long do rubber lipped plecos live?
The average lifespan of a rubber-lipped pleco is around 10-12 years with proper care. As long as you give them an adequate habitat and a good diet for their needs, you shouldn’t encounter any issues.
How hard is water for pleco fish?
You might be wondering: It might be necessary to buy a heater for your tank to maintain this range. For the pH range, it’s best to keep the water between 6.5. A common pleco fish wouldn’t normally be sensitive to the water hardness as long as you keep it stable, so anywhere between 8 and 12 KH is acceptable.
Why do pleco fish like bubbles?
Because pleco fish spend most of their time in the tank bottom, they are more sensitive to stagnation and dead zones than other fishes. An air stone or bubbler can keep the oxygen level at optimal water conditions, and plecos will enjoy the bubbles.
Why is it important to give a pleco fish space?
It is important to give a pleco fish enough space because cramming them up in a small area will prevent them from reaching their maximum lifespan. If you want to put more than one rubber lip pleco in your tank, you should adjust the tank size accordingly.
What temperature should a pleco be?
This means the ideal water temperature conditions for a pleco range between 72 and 80oF.
Where do plecos come from?
Rubber-lip pleco (Chaetostoma miles) is a freshwater fish with its origins tracing back to South America. You will typically find rubber-lipped plecos around the Apure River in Venezuela and the Magdalena River in Columbia.
What is a rubber lip pleco?
Rubber lip plecos, or scientifically known as Chaetostoma milesi, is a freshwater fish that fishkeepers have often mistaken for the bristlenose pleco. Although these fish are very similar, there are some distinct differences, especially when it comes to caring for them.
How many gallons of fish tank for rubber lip pleco?
A 30-gallon fish tank is perfect for rubber lip pleco as it allows you to add multiple species of plants, little hiding spaces, and some rocks and logs. If you want your fish to reach their maximum lifespan, you need to make their tank comfortable to stop them from becoming distressed and depressed.
How many gallons of pleco should I put in a fish tank?
I recommend placing rubber lip pleco in a 30-gallon fish tank, but you might have read about fish keepers that have kept their pleco in a 15-gallon tank and had them live happily ever after. Although these fish are on the smaller side and don’t move about too much, I suppose you could keep them in a smaller tank, but you may not have room for their creature comforts, which makes a huge difference to their quality of life.
How many zebra danios can you keep in a 15 gallon tank?
These are friendly fish that are easy to breed and even easier to care for. You can keep about five zebra danio in a 15-gallon fish tank, so you can imagine how many fun-loving danios you can have in a larger pleco tank.
What color are plecos?
It is a soft grey color that may look slightly green or blue in certain aquarium lighting, with black spots or stripes covering its body. Pleco characteristics vary throughout the species, and no two plecos look exactly the same, which certainly adds to their quirkiness.
How many gallons of water do you need for a pleco?
A fully grown rubber lip pleco needs to be in a fish tank that is a minimum of 25 to 30 gallons . If you plan on keeping two rubber lip pleco in your fish tank, you will need a fish tank that is 70-gallons or more.
What is the best substrate for an aquarium?
When choosing a substrate for the aquarium, go for soft, smooth pebbles over gravel and rough sand. This is so that the fish don’t damage their bellies or fins while they scavenge for food at the bottom of the aquarium.
What do rubber lipped plecos eat?
Rubber Lipped Plecos are a pleco species that can feed on algae and also on tiny larvae. They reach the size of up to 4.7″. Adult individuals maintain their habit of eating algae, being an excellent addition to the cleaning crew. They are fish with omnivorous eating habits; they will eat algae and small live or frozen food. They may have some difficulty in accepting processed foods.
How to keep a rubber lip pleco fish?
The periodic water change is also crucial as your tank should maintain a healthy balance to avoid diseases and intoxications. Scaleless fish are sensitive to salt in the water; thus, be careful when adding salt to treatment problems. Go for soft, smooth pebbles or sand over gravel and sharp sand for protection of fish. Keep plastic plants at a minimum and try to keep as many live plants as possible.
How big is a RL pleco?
What makes the differences between these species unique are their maximum density and color. A true RL pleco will reach at least 4.5 inches in body length and not experience drastic color change. While sexually maturing, the rubber lining will shift from grey to gold color. I hadn’t the chance to see mine turn gold like that. But it seems the fish decide when this happens and if and when. Both of these fish have similar care needs (except for tank size and flow).
How long do plecos live?
The average life span of a rubber-lipped pleco is between 10-12 years with reasonable maintenance. These assumptions assume you have provided them the ideal habitat and a good diet. High-stress levels can have a detrimental outcome on the longevity of fish. If you pair them with the wrong tankmate, they might feel stressed and become sick or even die.
Can rubber lip plecos live in aquariums?
The Rubber Lip Pleco needs specific requirements, like fast-flowing waters and large tank size; they do not thrive in any home aquarium and require some attention. They also provide excellent tankmates for fish from fast-flowing waters, like pike cichlid and silver dollars. Indeed a relatively easy species to find in specialized stores. A challenging pleco for more experienced aquarists, who like fast and transparent water aquaria.
Can rubberlip plecos be bred?
There are no verified reports of successfully breeding rubber lips plecos. The breeding process can be laborious for this fish, whether it’s successful or not. We think that it’s best not to try breeding without being confident in the results. We would love to hear from someone who successfully bred Rubberlip plecos, as we do wish to feature their tips in this guide. We don’t want to give broader advice because it wouldn’t work well for the aquarist community. Tell our team about how you had successful breeding; you might as well share your suggestions.
Can RL plecos get sick?
The RL pleco, like many other plecos, is exceptionally resilient. They are susceptible to toxins and contaminants in water. Plecos do not quickly become sick but are sensitive to specific health problems. When you notice that the white spots don’t multiply after one day, it probably wasn’t ich; if it persists, you fish possibly is a victim of ich. This ailment is often easy to diagnose and also treat.
Why do people keep rubber lip plecos?
A lot of people like to keep the rubber lip pleco as a pet because it is so docile. The peaceful nature of this fish makes it easy to keep with other species, but not all. You will notice this fish spending a lot of time in one area of the time at a time.
What is the pH of rubber lip pleco?
The temperature of your rubber lip pleco’s water should be kept within a range of 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and a pH level of 6.5 8. You should also make sure that it has a water hardness rating of 8 to 12 KH.
What do fish eat?
These fish eat algae almost exclusively in the wild, but you can give yours flakes. It is also recommended that you give them certain vegetables like peas, cucumbers, and leafy greens. This will ensure that your fish get a nutritious and balanced diet, so they will stay healthy over the long term. It is crucial that they get a good amount of plant matter in their daily diet.
Can you put fish in a rubber lip peco?
It is important that you not put any aggressive and/or larger fish in with your rubber lip peco. This will keep them from getting bullied and potentially injured or worse.
Species Overview
The Rubber Lip Pleco (Chaetostoma milesi) is a freshwater fish that originates from the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in South America. It is a member of the armored catfish family Loricariidae, which contains over 600 different species.
Rubber Lip Pleco Size
The Rubber Lip Pleco typically grows to a length of around 7 inches in captivity. However, in the wild, it can reach up to 9 inches. These fish aren’t very big unlike some of their pleco cousins.
Rubber Lip Pleco Lifespan
The Rubber Lip Pleco lifespan is around 10 to 12 years, although some have been known to live little more than 12 years with proper care. They are hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of water conditions, but they prefer cooler temperatures and low light levels.
Rubber Lip Pleco Appearance & Colorations
Just as their name suggests, the Rubber Lip pleco has a unique “Pleco” appearance. This makes them quite popular for many fishkeepers, but aquarists confuse them with other Pleco species. Their bodies resemble the exact pleco mold that you are familiar with.
Behaviour & Temperament
The Rubber Lip Pleco is a peaceful fish that does well in community aquariums. They are not known to be aggressive and will get along with most other fish species. However, they may compete with other bottom-dwelling fish for food.
Rubber Lip Pleco Care Tank Setup
The Rubber Lip Pleco is a hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of water conditions, but they prefer cooler temperatures and low light levels.
Rubber Lip Pleco Food and Feeding
The Rubber Lip Pleco is an omnivore and will eat a variety of foods. They are known to be particularly fond of algae, but you should also provide them with a well-rounded diet that includes both plant and animal matter.
Species Summary
Appearance
- The rubber lip pleco has the classic “pleco” appearance. This has led to them being confused with other species of pleco by owners and breeders alike. Their body is pretty much the exact pleco mold that you would expect. They have a large sucker mouth with a bit of a snout that slopes upward toward the top of their head. Near the eyes, their body begins to taper gradually all the w…
Size
- The average max size of the rubber lip pleco is around 7 inches in length. They aren’t very big fish unlike some of the other popular plecosout there, which makes them a great pet for home aquariums. Their size will be impacted by diet, genetics, and general quality of care. However, it’s extremely uncommon for these fish to exceed 7 inches.
Rubber Lip Pleco Care
- Rubber lip pleco care is not very challenging, and something that aquarists with minimal experience can handle. 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. However, it’s always a good idea to have an understanding of what the ideal conditions are so you can provide the best care …
Behavior & Temperament
- This is one of the easiest parts of rubber lip pleco care. These fish are extremely peaceful and don’t want to cause any problems with others. They’re one of the most peaceful freshwater specieswe know of! Their general activity level is very mellow. You’ll often see them parked in one place or slowly working their way around a protected hiding spot. When they’re out in the open th…
Tank Mates
- Now that you understand their behavior, it’s time to go over some viable rubber lip pleco tank mates. The general rules you should follow when picking a tank mate is temperament. Never pair these fish with an aggressive species, because they’re too peaceful to fight back. You want to match them up with other peaceful fish that want to mind their own business. As long as they’re …
Breeding
- Breeding rubber lipped plecos is something of a mystery in the aquarist community. There haven’t been any verified reports or case studies of owners pulling this off successfully in a home aquarium. Because of this, we don’t want to give broad advice since that won’t be very useful. The breeding process can be taxing on your fish no matter if it’s successful or not. We believe that y…
Going Forward
- 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. These are interesting creatures that are a great fit for the right kind of aquarist. 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. We’ve always found the rubber nose pleco to be quite enjoyable to obser…
Rubber Lip Pleco Facts & Overview
Appearance
- It comes as no surprise to us as to where the rubber lip pleco got its name from. It has full, rubbery lips and that protrudes out of its face with five hooked cheek spines, eight dorsal rays, and five anal rays. It is a soft grey color that may look slightly green or blue in certain aquarium lighting, with black spots or stripes covering its body. Pleco characteristics vary throughout the …
Habitat and Tank Conditions
- This is where the fun part begins. It can be incredibly frustrating finding compatible fish that can all share a tank with one another, but that won’t be the case with the rubber lip pleco. You can have a play around with the aquarium conditions as these fish are very tolerant and easy to care for. They are perfect tank mates for fussier fish that are hard to pair up.
Diet
- Rubber lip plecos are not fussy eaters, and more often than not, they will eat anything that sinks to the bottom of the tank. These fish don’t need much meaty food in their diet, so if you are already feeding other fish in the tank shrimp, you don’t need to add extra for your pleco as it is likely eating their leftovers. Feeding rubber lip plecos a...
Care
- Rubber lip plecos are a very healthy fish overall. They aren’t prone to any illnesses in particular, and as long as the tank is kept clean, you shouldn’t run into any problems. Maintaining regular water changes and keeping up with your tank maintenance schedule is vital to avoid bacterial infections. Another thing to look out for is drastic changes in the salinity levels in the water. Scal…
Breeding
- If you have your hopes pinned on being able to breed rubber lip pleco in your home aquarium, then I’m sorry to disappoint you. These fish are very hard to breed, so much so that most immature fish that are sold in stores have been caught in the wild. These fish need incredibly comfortable conditions and a huge tank to ‘get in the mood. Rubber lip pleco will only breed in a tank that is l…
Are Rubber Lip Pleco Suitable For Your Aquarium?
- As long as you have a very calm and mellow aquarium, then your fish will be extremely happy in the tank. Try to keep them separate from other bottom-feeding breeds if possible, so when you are looking for the perfect tank mate for your pleco, swaying towards small, speedy fish that stay away from the substrate is wise. Due to their incredibly long life expectancy of up to a whopping …