−11%
Chaetostoma thomsoni
22–22°C · pH 6–8
£28.47£31.99
Chaetostoma 'spot' — a peaceful cool-water rubber-nose pleco that grazes algae in clean, oxygen-rich tanks. Moderate care. 20–24°C.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Chaetostoma spondylus
Max Adult Size
up to 5 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Temperature
20–24°C
pH Range
6–7.1
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Minimum Tank
60L
Diet
Herbivore / algivore (grazer)
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Temperature
20–24°C
20°CIdeal24°C
pH Level
6–7.1
6Ideal7.1
Water Hardness
2–12 dGH
2 dGHIdeal12 dGH
Chaetostoma spondylus
Chaetostoma spot - Catfish for Sale UK
Moderate Care
Peaceful
£17.99/ fishSold Out
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Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
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Chaetostoma 'spot' — a peaceful cool-water rubber-nose pleco that grazes algae in clean, oxygen-rich tanks. Moderate care. 20–24°C.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Chaetostoma spondylus
Max Adult Size
up to 5 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Temperature
20–24°C
pH Range
6–7.1
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Minimum Tank
60L
Diet
Herbivore / algivore (grazer)
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
20–24°C
20°CIdeal24°C
pH Level
6–7.1
6Ideal7.1
Water Hardness
2–12 dGH
2 dGHIdeal12 dGH
Adapted to cool, fast-flowing Andean streams, Chaetostoma "spot" is a compact rubber-nosed pleco built for clean, oxygen-rich water. Its armoured, flattened body and constant grazing make it a genuinely useful as well as charming addition to the bottom of a temperate community tank.
This is a peaceful little catfish that reaches around 5 cm and can live for some eight years. It is a dedicated herbivore and algae grazer, so a steady supply of algae, biofilm and vegetable-based foods matters more to it than rich protein diets. The one thing it will not tolerate is warm, stagnant water — it wants things cool and moving.
A 60-litre aquarium with smooth rocks, good flow and high oxygen levels recreates the conditions it evolved in. Keep the water on the cooler, slightly acidic side within the ranges below, holding hardness between 2 and 12 dGH and temperatures down at 20 to 24°C — cooler than most tropical community tanks.
A frequent question is why temperature matters so much for this catfish, and it comes down to oxygen: warm, sluggish water simply does not hold enough for a fish from cold mountain torrents. Get the cool, brisk conditions right and it grazes contentedly at around 5 cm, living for up to eight years as a peaceful, hard-working resident of the lower tank.
Care essentials
- Adult size about 5 cm; lifespan up to 8 years
- Temperature 20–24°C, pH 6.0–7.1, hardness 2–12 dGH
- Minimum 60 litres with strong flow and oxygenation; bottom-dwelling
- Herbivore and algae grazer — algae and vegetable foods
- Peaceful, moderate-care species
Community fit
Pair it with peaceful small to medium community fish such as tetras, rasboras and livebearers, other non-aggressive bottom dwellers given enough space, and dwarf cichlids that won't harass bottom fish. Avoid large aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, highly territorial bottom dwellers, very warm-water species and fast boisterous fish that would outcompete it for food. Its peaceful temperament makes it an easy fit socially, so the real constraint is temperature compatibility, which rules out the many tropicals that prefer warmer water than it tolerates. Each Chaetostoma "spot" ships with a licensed live-animal courier under our live arrival guarantee.
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What customers say about ordering from us
4.6 on Google Maps, rated 4.6 out of 5 (opens in a new tab)4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them, rated 4.4 out of 5
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
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