Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus)

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Baryancistrus-L18.jpg
Gold Nugget Pleco

Baryancistrus xanthellus

114 Litres (30 US G.)

17.8-20.3cm (7-8 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.5 - 7.2

24 -29 °C (75.2-84.2°F)

6-16 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

5-8 years

Family

Loricariidae



Additional names

Gold Nugget Pleco, Golden Nugget Pleco, L018, L85, L085, L177

Additional scientific names

Baryancistrus sp "L018"


Origin

These exquisite fish come from Brazil. They live in the Rio Xingu and Amazon River basins.


Sexing

Odontodal growth on pectoral and cheeks is greater on males than females.


Tank compatibility

Do not keep this Pleco with others of it's own kind or indeed any other Pleco as it will be territorial towards these and even other bottom dwellers, should only be attempted in a larger tank. Will be peaceful towards mid or top-dwelling fish.


Diet

Not a great algae eater, prefers a meaty diet with blanched vegetable supplements. If using floating pellets this fish will find them when they attach to the glass of the aquarium because of water tension and snack on them. However because it is not designed to do this it ends up looking rather clumsy and often will drop the pellet or miss it completely. This activity however was only observed after the fish was very well established in the tank and it would not do this before as it is very shy until it gets use to the surroundings.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Prefers a spacious and well filtered tank with plenty of caves and other hiding places in bogwood and rounded river stones.


Behaviour

A generally nocturnal Pleco that will be territorial towards other bottom dwellers.


Identification

An attractive Pleco with a dark red-brown base colour on the body with medium-sized round yellow spots covering the body and fins. The dorsal and caudal fins are edged in a thick band of yellow.

Species Note

This Baryancistrus was given it's proper described name, Baryancistrus xanthellus, in 2011

Pictures

External links