What size tank does a rubber lip pleco need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Chaetostoma milesi.
How many rubber lip plecos in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if rubber lip plecos are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many rubber lip plecos |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | 1 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 2 |
| 55 gallon | up to 3 |
| 75 gallon | up to 4 |
| 125 gallon | up to 8 |
Check rubber lip plecos against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Likes cooler water with strong flow.
Tank mates for rubber lip plecos
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Rubber lip pleco likes 68–77 °F (20–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as rubber lip pleco.
Questions and answers
What size tank does a rubber lip pleco need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many rubber lip plecos should be kept together?
One is fine. A rubber lip pleco does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.
Can rubber lip plecos live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Rubber lip pleco needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters), and grows to 5 in (13 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.
What temperature do rubber lip plecos need?
68–77 °F (20–25 °C), with a pH of 6.5–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can rubber lip plecos live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Rubber lip pleco likes 68–77 °F (20–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
- Zebra loach
- Dwarf chain loach
- Chinese algae eater
- Peacock gudgeon
- Scarlet badis
- Black ghost knifefish
- All 118 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.