Species profile
Rubber Lip Pleco
Chaetostoma milesi
Peaceful
Moderate care
180 L minimum aquarium
10–14.6 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A current-valid species, but the aquarium common name 'Rubber Lip Pleco' is also widely applied to Chaetostoma formosae. Keep the scientific identity visible on the public profile.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
3–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
High
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
2
Generally peaceful with other fishes but adult males can defend favoured rock/cave areas from similar bottom-dwellers. Avoid warm, stagnant aquaria.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
180 L
Minimum footprint
100 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Chaetostoma milesi
Alternative names
Rubber Lip Pleco, Rubberlip Pleco, Bulldog Pleco (trade-name overlap)
Native range
Colombia and Venezuela, including Magdalena and Apuré drainages.
Natural habitat
Rheophilic loricariid from rocky, well-oxygenated streams. Provide rounded rockwork, strong aeration and meaningful current, with shaded retreats and mature surfaces for grazing.
Diet & feeding
Primarily an aufwuchs/grazing feeder. Offer algae- and plant-rich sinking foods plus occasional small protein foods; natural biofilm is valuable and it should not be expected to live on nuisance algae alone.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males develop broader heads and stronger odontodes, particularly around the head and pectoral region.
Breeding
Cave/crevice spawning is reported for Chaetostoma; males guard the chosen site. Captive breeding is uncommon.