From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Gold Nugget Pleco
Baryancistrus xanthellus
- Temperature
- 27–32 °C
- pH
- 6 – 8
- Min. tank size
- 280 L
- Lifespan
- 8-12 years
- Diet
- herbivore
- Care level
- moderate
Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. That describes the wild population — the criteria cover only wild populations inside their natural range, and captive-bred fish are not assessed. Almost all stock in the trade is wild-caught from that population.
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Baryancistrus xanthellus |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Origin: | South America (Rio Xingu, Brazil) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | moderate |
| Diet: | herbivore |
| Max Size: | 22.40 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | semi aggressive |
| Min Group: | Can be kept alone |
| Varieties: | No cultivated strains, and an L-number system instead. The species is typically referred to by its associated L-numbers: L018, L081, L085, L177, LDA60, LDA116 and LDA117. These correspond to populations differing in spot size, spot density and the width of the yellow band on the dorsal and caudal fins — L018 with medium spots, L177 with fine ones, L081 finer still. They are all Baryancistrus xanthellus, and they are all kept the same way. Prices differ between L-numbers, and the differences are genuine but cosmetic. The species is endemic to the Volta Grande and Xingu, the reach immediately above Belo Monte falls, and the Iriri River. Other Baryancistrus are traded and are separate species, several of which are also yellow-spotted and sold under gold nugget names. Given the Near Threatened listing and the shared river system with the zebra pleco, this is a genus worth buying thoughtfully — and worth asking a seller about origin. |
| Lifespan: | 8-12 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Medium to high
- Min Tank:280 L
- Substrate:Sand/smooth gravel; driftwood and caves; lots of flow and oxygen
- Plant Safe:Plant-safe
- Filtration:High (warm, very oxygen-rich water with strong flow)
Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus) is a species of fish in the family Loricariidae. It is native to South America (Rio Xingu, Brazil). The gold nugget pleco is a black fish covered in bright yellow spots with a yellow band along the edge of the dorsal and tail — one of the most striking loricariids in the trade, and one of the warmest-water fish in this guide. It wants 27 to 32 °C (81–90 °F). That is hotter than a discus tank, and it is the requirement most often missed. It is endemic to Brazil, found in the Volta Grande and Xingu River, the area immediately above Belo Monte falls, and the Iriri River — the same river system as the zebra pleco. The IUCN listed it as Near Threatened in 2022. It reaches 224 mm standard length, which is a good deal larger than the small spotted juveniles sold. Juveniles are relatively peaceful, and males in particular become highly intolerant of their own kind as they age.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- semi aggressive
- Keep in
- Can be kept alone
- Swims
- bottom
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
Species similar to Gold Nugget Pleco
Matched on family, then category, then water type