Chimú Rubberlip Plecostomus L447

A compact mountain-stream rubberlip with a broad head, flattened underside and dark mottled body that blends with stone. Pale spotting or marbling may become clearer on settled fish.

Use the L-number identification L447 together with the current assignment Chaetostoma chimu. Do not merge it with visually similar forms without matching collection locality and diagnostic features.

Sex differences are subtle outside maturity. Males tend to have a broader head and more developed odontodes, while females are fuller through the abdomen.

Provide powerful oxygenation, brisk current, smooth stones, shaded crevices and excellent water quality. Avoid high sustained heat and any layout where waste collects between rocks.

A peaceful but territorial rock grazer. It may chase similar bottom fish from a chosen surface while ignoring active fish in the middle of the aquarium.

Can be kept singly. A pair or group requires several appropriately sized caves and enough floor area for every adult to feed without being trapped.

Mature males commonly defend caves and favoured feeding areas from similarly shaped loricariids.

Best with calm rheophilic tank mates that do not compete for the same rock shelters. Do not crowd several Chaetostoma into a small footprint.

Maintain stable clean water with strong oxygenation. Warm water, protein-rich food, wood waste, and crowded hardscape can rapidly reduce oxygen and degrade water quality.

Offer algae and vegetable-rich sinking foods, biofilm and modest invertebrate foods. Newly imported fish should be watched closely to confirm active feeding.

Feed after lights dim and distribute food near every occupied shelter. Confirm that subordinate fish eat and remove rich leftovers before they affect water quality.

Captive breeding details are poorly documented. Treat any attempt as an advanced project requiring mature fish, suitable crevices and exceptionally clean oxygenated water.