{"product_id":"rubber-lip-pleco","title":"Rubber Lip Pleco (Chaetostoma sp.)","description":"\u003cp\u003eRubber Lip Plecos (\u003cem\u003eChaetostoma\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) get their name from a genuinely distinctive, thick-lipped sucker mouth built for near-constant grazing — the lip structure gives them a grip on algae-covered rock surfaces that more rounded-lipped plecos can't match. In their native Andean stream habitats across Colombia and Ecuador, they live in fast, well-oxygenated water, clinging to rock faces in strong current and rasping away at algae and biofilm all day. That stream-adapted lifestyle translates well to aquarium life: they're low-drama, reliably useful algae eaters that don't develop the territorial aggression some larger pleco species do as they age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey stay on the smaller, milder side of the loricariid family — typically 4–5 inches at full size — which makes them a practical algae-control option for tanks in the 30–75 gallon range where a Common Pleco would be a long-term problem. They're most active during the evening and overnight, but unlike some nocturnal plecos, a well-fed Chaetostoma is visible and active during daylight hours, which is part of the appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive them driftwood and a variety of surface types. They graze on wood as well as rock and glass, and a tank with only smooth surfaces limits their behavioral range and their foraging efficiency. Supplement natural grazing with algae wafers, blanched zucchini, and occasionally cucumber.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chaetostoma sp. (Rubber Lip complex; several species sold under this common name)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast-flowing Andean streams and rivers in Colombia and Ecuador — rocky, high-oxygen habitats\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Temp 65–79°F · pH 6.5–8.0 · GH 5–20 (prefer well-oxygenated, slightly cool water)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gal minimum; provide rock, driftwood, and varied surface textures; moderate to strong flow preferred\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore — algae, biofilm, algae wafers, blanched vegetables; supplement with driftwood for rasping\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful; males may compete but rarely injure each other; safe in most community setups\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHusbandry note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chaetostoma are more temperature-sensitive than tropical plecos — they thrive in the 68–75°F range and become stressed above 80°F. In warm tanks running at 78–82°F for discus or rams, a Rubber Lip Pleco will be uncomfortable. Match the temperature to the pleco, not the other way around.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"YoCamron's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Wild-Caught","offer_id":50193565810925,"sku":"FWFSH-RUBBER-LIP","price":9.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0806\/1032\/8813\/files\/1920px-Chaetostoma_milesi__2816495455116_29.jpg?v=1787398014","url":"https:\/\/www.yocamronsaquatics.com\/products\/rubber-lip-pleco","provider":"YoCamron's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}