Rubber Lip Pleco

The rubber lip pleco, also known as Chaetostoma milesi, is a small, hardy freshwater catfish popular in aquariums. Native to the rivers of Colombia and Venezuela, this peaceful fish has a mottled, brownish-gray appearance with a distinct "rubber-like" lip used for grazing on algae. Unlike larger plecos, the rubber lip pleco grows only up to about 4.5–5 inches, making it ideal for medium-sized tanks. Known for their algae-eating abilities, they help keep aquariums clean, but they also benefit from supplemental feeding with algae wafers or fresh vegetables. Rubber lip plecos prefer well-oxygenated water and hiding places, thriving in temperatures between 72-80°F with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.