L177 Baryancistrus xanthellus

Common name: Gold Nugget Pleco

Origin: South America (native to the Rio Xingu in Brazil)

Optimal living conditions: 26 - 30 °C temperature
6.5 - 7.5 pH
150 l+ sized aquarium

Adult fish size: 12 - 15 cm

Diet: L177 Baryancistrus xanthellus, commonly known as the Gold Nugget Pleco, is an omnivorous species. In captivity, they should be provided with a variety of foods, including algae wafers, sinking pellets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and spinach. They also benefit from high-quality live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia to ensure a well-rounded diet. While they are known to graze on algae, they should not be relied upon for complete algae control and require supplementary feeding.

Tankmates: Gold Nugget Plecos are peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other non-aggressive species. They do well with other peaceful bottom dwellers, including Corydoras, smaller plecos, and tetras. It’s important to avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that might harass or outcompete them for food. As nocturnal fish, they prefer tanks with plenty of hiding places, such as caves, driftwood, and rocks, where they can retreat during the day.

Note: The L177 Baryancistrus xanthellus is known for its striking golden-yellow spots on a dark body, resembling "nuggets," which gives it the common name "Gold Nugget Pleco." This beautiful coloration makes it a highly sought-after fish in the aquarium hobby. Like other plecos, they are great for cleaning algae, but they require additional feeding to stay healthy and thrive. These fish are relatively hardy, but they do best in a stable, well-maintained environment with clean, oxygenated water.

Note: This small chart is only the basics and is not enough for you to decide if this fish is right for you! Do your own detailed research before buying!!