🐟 L018 Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus)
The L018 Gold Nugget Pleco is a spectacular loricariid renowned for its striking black body covered with bright yellow or gold spots, resembling scattered nuggets of gold. Due to its vivid coloration when young, it is a very popular pleco among fish enthusiasts. However, it can be challenging to keep alive to adulthood because of its complex dietary needs that are difficult to replicate in home aquariums. Even when accepted, prepared aquarium foods may not fully meet the nutritional requirements this species obtains in the wild.
🔍 Quick Facts
🕊️ Behavior & Temperament
🏡 Tank Requirements
Water Parameters:
🍽️ Diet
📊 Overview Table
🏷️ Feature | 📋 Details |
---|---|
🧬 Scientific Name | Baryancistrus xanthellus |
🐟 Common Name | L018 Gold Nugget Pleco |
🌍 Origin | Brazil – Rio Xingu |
📏 Max Size | 9–12 in (23–30 cm) |
🕊️ Temperament | Peaceful, mildly territorial |
🛁 Tank Size | 75 gallons |
⚗️ pH Range | 6.5–7.5 |
🌡️ Temperature | 77–86°F (25–30°C) |
🍽️ Diet | Omnivorous with complex nutritional needs |
📝 Snippet
The L018 Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus) dazzles with its golden spots and is highly sought after, but its complex diet makes it challenging to keep healthy in home aquariums.