Rubberlip and Goldfish

Rayston · Post by **Rayston** » 20 Jun 2006, 23:22

I really like the look of Rubberlip Pleco and would like to get one to go with my goldies once I can upgrade my tank. I have heard people on both sides of the fence on combining pleco's and goldies, anyone have any experience with specifically Rubberlips?

I asked the same question on a goldfish forum here

http://www.goldfishparadise.com/forum/p ... 083#274083

Thanx

Rayston

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 21 Jun 2006, 11:33

The only concern I would have about Rubberlip pleco -> Chaetostoma sp. is that they require quite a lot of water-movement, which is not what your goldfish likes, so one or the other will be somewhat unhappy...

--
Mats

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 21 Jun 2006, 14:15

It's my opinion that plecos such as common, bristlenose or rubberlip will not harm a healthy goldfish in any way.

Most of the anecdotes on that link are about plecos killing their goldfish. This does not happen. The pleco will try to consume a dead goldfish which died of other causes however. This is what probably happened in those cases.

There is a theoretical risk of a VERY underfed pleco harrassing a goldfish. Provided the pleco is well fed, there is zero risk of this happening.

I believe there is more risk to the plecos than the goldfish though.

Goldfish tanks will tend to be quite high in nitrates, as they are greedy fish. The rubberlip may not thrive in these conditions.

If you are able to provide cool water, plenty of current, low nitrates (<25mg/l), and feed the plec adequately, it could be feasible to add a rubberlip.

With regard to water current, "normal" goldfish should be OK, but as Mats says, fancy ones will not enjoy it.

I would think tank-bred bristlnose would be a better choice though, as they will tolerate higher levels of nitrate, and not require such fast moving water.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 21 Jun 2006, 15:06

I think if you do a search on this site, you'll see this question has been asked a few times.

Mats and Racoll brought up the problems: Chaetostoma spp. come from shallow, quick-moving waters with a lot of smooth rocks. These conditions are typically found in the mountains. The water needs to be heavily oxygenated. From what I also understand, this would make life difficult for a Goldfish. From my limited experience, Chaetostoma spp.tend to harass conspecifics.
Amanda

Deb · Post by **Deb** » 22 Jun 2006, 00:07

Rayston, I know this isn't your specific question, but a better choice for your tank might be one of the hillstream loaches (Pseudogastromyzon sp., such as myersi or cheni) because they have similar requirements to goldfish, and they have a somewhat similar look to "rubbernoses" and other small plecs.
Being Asian fish, like goldfish, I think the combination will look better, too.

Deborah

Rayston · Post by **Rayston** » 22 Jun 2006, 17:02

hmmm, I will have to look into those as I have gotten that suggestion a few times.

Anyone have links to pics and specs of these?

Thanx

Rayston

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 22 Jun 2006, 17:05

Try http://www.loaches.com

The conditions required to keep hillstream loaches are the same as for rubberlip plecos, ie fast flowing water.

Again, not something that fancy goldfish will enjoy.