Rubber Pleco Care Guide
Chaetostoma formosae is a Colombian rubbernose pleco from Orinoco piedmont streams that needs cool, well-oxygenated water.
Overview
Chaetostoma formosae is an armored suckermouth catfish of the family Loricariidae, described by Ballen in 2011. Known in the trade as a rubbernose or rubber pleco and assigned the code L-444, it is a bottom-dwelling algae grazer adapted to cool, fast-flowing piedmont streams.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Chaetostoma
- Scientific name: Chaetostoma formosae
- Trade code: L-444
Habitat
The species is native to Colombia, known from western piedmont tributaries of the upper río Meta and Guaviare basins in the departments of Meta and Casanare, within the Orinoco drainage. FishBase classifies it as a freshwater, demersal species and notes it has facultative air-breathing capability.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (40 gal)
- Temperature: 20-24 °C (68-75 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
FishBase reports a maximum length of about 9.7 cm standard length. As a piedmont-stream species it requires well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong flow.
Diet
Chaetostoma plecos are herbivorous algae grazers. The diet should emphasize algae and vegetable matter, with feeding around once daily. Driftwood and algae-covered rocks support natural grazing behavior.
Compatibility
The rubber pleco is a peaceful, nocturnal, bottom-dwelling species. It can be combined with peaceful tankmates such as tetras and Corydoras. Aggressive or strongly territorial plecos should be avoided to reduce competition for grazing space and hiding spots.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable, according to FishBase.