Rubbernose Pleco - Chaetostoma sp. - Small

2Reviews
$5.99
SKU: 213483
Manufacturer: That Fish Place
MPN: F90 0022 0103

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Details

The Rubbernose Pleco is also known as the "Bulldog Pleco". It is a greyish brown catfish with a somewhat triangular body and a wide, blunt snout. It sometimes has small black spots. The scales are hard and armor-like.

The fish commonly known as "plecos" come from the family Loricariidae, also known as the “armored catfish”. They include fish from the genera Ancistrus, Baryancistrus, Chaetostoma, Hypostomus, Leporacanthicus, Panaque, Peckoltia, Pseudancistrus and many others. They are known to many as "suckerfish" due to the shape of their body and mouth and are often sold as algae-eaters even though many of them eat little algae. In addition to the two-part scientific names used for all living things, plecos also have their own naming system that identifies them by "L-number" or "LDA-number". Though this is not an "official" naming method, it is popular among hobbyists and collectors.

Plecos are generally flattened with a large, round head and skinnier body. The body is covered by hard plates and many have strong spines in their fins and even along the body. The mouths are on the underside of the fish and are used to rasp food from hard surfaces and to help the pleco maintain its position in the water flow.

Plecos are commonly purchased by new and experienced aquarists alike as algae-eaters; most plecos do not eat algae or need other foods in their diet as well. The genera Ancistrus, Peckoltia and Otocinclus are a few common, smaller plecos that will help control algae without eating live plants. Many others are omnivores (eat both plant matter and meaty foods), carnivores (primarily eat meaty foods) or scavengers (eat whatever they can find). Some plecos, notably those from the Panaque genus, even eat wood as part of their diet.

Many plecos also get very large and their size as well as their waste production make them unsuitable for small aquariums. The very common Trinidad Pleco/Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) grows close to two feet in length. As with any other tank residents, choose plecos carefully with respect to their size, behavior and diet.

Specifications

Specifications
Common NameRubbernose Pleco - Small
Scientific NameChaetostoma sp.
OriginSouth America
Max Size (in inches)6
Community SafeYes
pH Range6.0-7.6
DietOmnivore (equal plants and meat)
Min Tank Size (in gallons)45
Temperature Range72-80
DifficultyEasy

State Restrictions
Alaska
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
California
Hawaii
Puerto Rico

Instructions

Ratings & Reviews

2 reviews

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where is it

by

i have had one of these pleco for about 3 weeks and i have only seen its tail once sinec then. it stays in a cave i think so don't get this fish if ur looking for action. other than that i can't wait till it grows so i can see it more often

Great Pleco for smaller tanks

by

I have this pleco in a 44 gallon community aquarium - great addition. You won't see a lot of him during the day - I had him in a 20gallon tank that wasn't a great environment -- but once I moved him to the 44 which was moderately planted with driftwood and has some small to medium sized rocks, he really started getting active at night. These aren't very visible fish - but having one is great. I feel rewarded when I do see him scurrying around the tank at night. If I wake up in the middle of the night for something, I'm almost sure to see him doing his thing - and I always take the time to watch him for a few minutes.