Golden Nugget Pleco L 018

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Scientific Name

Baryancistrus xanthellus

Min. Tank Size

70 gallons

Personality

Aggressive and territorial

Temperature

77-86°F

pH

6.5-7.5/3-15°dGH

Size

7.5"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Do not keep with it’s own kind as they have been known to fight to the death; well-suited to the large community tank and can be kept with Characins, Cichlids, Loaches and other peaceful fish.

Golden Nugget Pleco L 018

Golden Nugget Plecos are a species of armored catfish which can be identified by the bony plates covering their bodies. Often confused with other types of Plecostomus, this species can be identified by its teeth which can be seen when the fish attaches itself to aquarium glass. Golden Nugget Plecos are also frequently described using L-numbers such as L-081, L-018 and L-177 based on the size of the spots on the body. The bodies of these fish are typically dark brown ornamented with light-colored spots as well as yellow fringing on the dorsal and caudal fins.

Tank Set-Up

Golden Nugget Plecos are endemic to Brazil where they can be found in the Xingu river. The natural habitat of these fish includes shallow, quickly-flowing waters where the substrate is rocky and the water is well-oxygenated. A home aquarium that replicates these conditions would be the ideal set-up. Decorate the tank with rocks and caves and line the bottom with a smooth pea gravel or sandy substrate. Because these fish are particularly sensitive to water quality, it is necessary to maintain efficient filtration in a Golden Nugget Pleco tank. Regular partial water changes should also be considered an important part of your maintenance routine.

Feeding

In the wild, these fish have been seen to feed primarily on various forms of algae. In the home aquarium, however, a natural diet of algae should be supplemented with high-quality sinking pellets or wafers along with live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, prawns and bloodworms. These fish may also accept slices of fresh fruit and blanched vegetables. To ensure the best health and coloration of this species feed a varied diet on a regular basis.

Breeding

Like several other species of Catfish, these fish have not been known to spawn in the home aquarium. A high rate of water flow may help to encourage spawning, though little other information is known. Having a large breeding tank and offering a healthy, varied diet may also help to encourage spawning behavior.