Spotted Bulldog Pleco L168

Chaetostoma sp. L168, the Spotted Bulldog Pleco, is a robust and endearing loricariid from fast-flowing Andean foothill streams in Colombia. Its compact, heavy-set body with a proportionally large domed head and flexible sucker mouth gives it the bulldog-like appearance from which it gets its name. The warm brown body is liberally covered in rounded dark spots. Like all Chaetostoma, it is a dedicated algae grazer.

The Spotted Bulldog tolerates a moderate temperature range of 20–26°C and prefers well-oxygenated, fast-moving water. This makes it suitable for both tropical and cool-temperate community aquariums. It accepts algae wafers, spirulina tabs, and blanched vegetables readily, and will graze algae from glass, rocks, and driftwood enthusiastically.

This species is entirely peaceful and makes an excellent community fish with no aggression toward tankmates. It can be kept in small groups. Breeding in captivity has been achieved in well-oxygenated, cool, spacious aquariums with smooth rock surfaces for egg deposition.

Water: 20–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderate hardness; strong oxygenation and good flow important. Tank: Minimum 80 L; smooth rocks for clinging, moderate current, caves or overhangs for resting. Feeding: Herbivore; sinking algae wafers, spirulina tabs, blanched courgette, spinach, broccoli. Breeding: Egg-layer on smooth rocks; achievable in cool, well-oxygenated, spacious setups. Compatibility: Peaceful with all community fish; can be kept in small groups with no aggression.