LDA117 Gold Nugget Pleco - (Baryancistrus xanthellus)

🐟 LDA117 Gold Nugget Pleco – (Baryancistrus xanthellus) – South American Pleco for Sale

The LDA117 Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus) is a visually stunning freshwater pleco with a jet-black body decorated with vivid golden-yellow spots and brightly edged fins. Native to Brazil’s Rio Xingu, this pleco is highly popular among aquarists for its dazzling coloration, peaceful temperament, and algae-grazing abilities. With proper care, it becomes a long-lived and striking centerpiece in a community aquarium.

🔎 Quick Facts – LDA117 Gold Nugget Pleco

• 📛 Common Name: Gold Nugget Pleco
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Baryancistrus xanthellus
• 🌍 Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil – South America
• 🎨 Appearance: Black body with golden-yellow spots and yellow-tipped fins
• 📏 Max Size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Gold Nugget pleco for sale – South American species

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful but can be territorial toward other bottom-dwelling plecos
• 🌿 Spends much of its time grazing on algae and biofilm
• 🪶 Ideal for peaceful community tanks with similar-sized fish

🏠 Tank Requirements – LDA117 Gold Nugget Pleco Care

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 40+ gallons
• 🪵 Include driftwood, caves, and rocky shelters for security
• 🌊 Prefers strong water flow and highly oxygenated water
• 💡 Moderate lighting to bring out vibrant coloration

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 77–84°F (25–29°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.4–7.4
• 💧 Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet (Omnivorous with herbivorous preference)

• 🌿 Algae wafers, spirulina-rich pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, peas)
• 🍤 Occasional protein: bloodworms, shrimp, sinking carnivore pellets

🔍 Sexing

• 👨 Males: More developed odontodes and slimmer profile
• 👩 Females: Rounder, fuller body, especially when mature

📋 Overview Table – LDA117 Gold Nugget Pleco Care

✨ Highlight:
The LDA117 Gold Nugget Pleco is a beautifully patterned pleco perfect for aquarists who want an active algae grazer that also serves as a colorful focal point in the tank.