Baryancistrus xanthellus
Baryancistrus xanthellus is a species of armored catfish endemic to Brazil. It is a benthic fresh water fish that lives in Rio Xingu in the Amazon system. It reaches a length of 22.4 centimetres SL. There are larger species that occasionally enter the hobby as well.
What do gold nugget pleco fish eat?
Coming up with a feeding plan is one of the easiest parts of Gold Nugget Pleco care. These fish are not picky eaters and will happily munch on whatever you give them. However, it’s still important to spend some time planning their diet. In the wild, this species is one of the best algae eaters out there.
How do you take care of a gold nugget pleco?
To ensure the preservation of its life, it is expedient that one provides this fish with a lot of shades, as well as, maintain good hygiene and provide nutritious diet necessary for its growth. Are gold nuggets aggressive? Gold nugget plecos are generally peaceful but do display territoriality in some instances, especially when competing for space.
Can I Put another Catfish with my gold nugget pleco?
If you happen to have a massive tank, you might be able to get away with having another catfish species in there, but a smaller tank can be a challenging environment for a Gold Nugget Pleco.
Can pleco fish eat cucumbers?
When the health of your Pleco is in absolutely perfect condition, common infections can easily be prevented by the natural immunity of the species. Gold Nugget Pleco loves to have leafy vegetables like cucumber, cabbage and if you want to give your pet some veggie treat, you must steam the items well before you dip them into the tank.
What does a Golden Nugget Pleco eat?
algae eatersGold nugget plecos are algae eaters. However, they will often eat all of the algae in a tank. They require supplemental food or they will waste away. Pet shops sell many foods just for plecos, like sinking pellets and wafers.
Do gold nugget Plecos need wood?
It's also very important to make sure these fish have plenty of hiding places. Because of their natural habitat and how they interact with their environment, Golden Nugget Plecos are constantly using various forms of shelter to stay safe. This means items such as driftwood, rocks, and caves can all be considered.
How big do gold nugget Plecos get?
The gold nugget pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus) is a beautiful black and yellow spotted catfish that lives in the rocky rapids of the Amazon river. It can reach an adult size of 25cm, although mostly seen in aquatic stores as youngsters.
Do gold nugget Plecos need driftwood?
Remember, too, that Gold Nugget Plecos like hiding places, so you'll need space for decorations, caves, driftwood, and plants.
Are Gold Nugget Plecos aggressive?
Gold nugget plecos aren't especially aggressive; in fact, they can be kept with tank mates of nearly any size or type. However, they are territorial and will defend their favorite hiding spots from intruders.
Can a pleco live in cold water?
They do just fine in temperature regions as well provided they are not left outside over the winter. Most plecos are tolerant of waters ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30°C), though they prefer temperatures between about 75 and 82°F (24-28°C).
What is the rarest pleco?
One of the rarer plecos in the hobby, the Typhoon is also one of the prettiest. Large, carnivorous and territorial; this is an awesome fish – just expect to pay a lot for one if you find one… but they are well worth it!
Which is the smallest pleco?
Average Size: 2.4 inches. One of the smallest pleco fish, the dwarf snowball, has white polka dots all over its body.
How big of a tank do plecos need?
Housing Requirements for Plecostomus For example, the common pleco, Hypostomus plecostomus, can grow to over 12" and will eventually need an aquarium of at least 75 gallons, while Otocinclus will be perfectly content in a 10-gallon tank.
How big do gold spot plecos grow?
12 inchesUnlike the widely-seen Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus), which easily reach a monstrous size of 18 to 20+ inches (45 to 51+ cm), the Gold Spot Pleco grows to a size of 12 inches (30.5 cm).
Are there any cold water algae eaters?
The truth is that Zebra Snails, of the family Nerritina, are one of the most effective algae eaters out there. They can live in cold and tropical water, only breed in Brackish (Salty freshwater) conditions (unlike pest snails) and each snail wears its own unique 'fingerprint' pattern on its shell.
What do Bristlenose plecos eat?
algaeBristlenose Plecos are herbivores, eating mainly algae, so feeding algae or spirulina wafers once or twice daily is best. Granules, flakes, or bloodworms are also good, while the occasional zucchini slices and blanched romaine lettuce or spinach are good treats. Just make sure to never overfeed.
How do you care for a gold nugget pleco?
The perfect pH range for Gold Nugget plecos is between 6.5 and 7.5, with a water hardness range of 2 to 15 dGH. Plecos are notoriously dirty fish, so you will need to have a very efficient filtration system in place, and frequent partial water changes are essential to keep the tank clean.
How big do gold spot plecos grow?
12 inchesUnlike the widely-seen Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus), which easily reach a monstrous size of 18 to 20+ inches (45 to 51+ cm), the Gold Spot Pleco grows to a size of 12 inches (30.5 cm).
Which is the smallest pleco?
Average Size: 2.4 inches. One of the smallest pleco fish, the dwarf snowball, has white polka dots all over its body.
How big of a tank do plecos need?
Housing Requirements for Plecostomus For example, the common pleco, Hypostomus plecostomus, can grow to over 12" and will eventually need an aquarium of at least 75 gallons, while Otocinclus will be perfectly content in a 10-gallon tank.
How big do gold nugget Plecos get?
Averagely, gold nugget plecos can reach a length of about 15 cm at maturity, but it is not improbable to encounter those that will attain a length...
What do gold nugget Plecos eat?
First off, Gold nugget plecos love to feed on algae a lot so, conditions/items that promote the natural growth (of algae) should be established, as...
How many years do Plecos live?
The average lifespan of Gold nugget pleco is about 8 years while in captivity. To ensure the preservation of its life, it is expedient that one pro...
Are gold nuggets aggressive?
Gold nugget plecos are generally peaceful but do display territoriality in some instances, especially when competing for space. It is also interest...
How big do Gold Nugget Pleco get?
The average size of a well-cared fish is 5 to 8 inches. But a gold nugget can grow up to 13 inches long in the wild.
Is Gold Nugget Pleco aggressive?
They, like other pleco species, are peaceful fish species. They are not really aggressive and stay out of the way even with other bigger fish.
Gold Nugget Pleco behavior
They are calm fish that minds its own business in the tank. It will not bother around with other fish, especially those that dwell in the middle and on the water’s surface.
How long do Gold Nugget Plecos live?
They can live up to 5 years if they are adequately taken care of. However, Gold nugget plecos tend to live longer in the wild.
Gold Nugget Pleco care
They are relatively hardy fish, but they still require special care, like any other tropical fish.
Gold Nugget Pleco breeding
Although many pleco species can be bred in captivity, Gold Nugget Plecos can not.
Special tips
They are wild-caught fish, so they are quite sensitive to different medications.
How to keep gold nugget plecos healthy?
Choose a high-quality filter. Gold Nugget Plecos are sensitive to dirty water, and you want to make sure that you keep a super clean tank to eliminate their stress and ensure healthy fish. Besides keeping the water clean, read on to find out the other water specifications for these catfish.
How big are gold nugget plecos?
Their caudal fin is a little larger than their dorsal fins, which look like fans. As I mentioned earlier, these fish are about 6-9 inches (15.2-22.9 cm) in captivity, depending on the conditions that you provide.
What is the best catfish to put in a community aquarium?
If you have an established tank that’s big enough, and you have abundant mid-and upper-level fish and a sparse bottom level, the Gold Nugget Pleco may be just the suckermouth catfish to complete your community aquarium.
What is a gold nugget?
Gold Nugget Plecostomus , what we call Pleco for short, has been known to the aquarium hobby since 1981 when it first arrived in Great Britain via export. This fantastic suckermouth catfish is part of the Loricariidae family; you may see them advertised as Golden Nugget Plecos, though dropping the “en” is more common.
What kind of substrate do gold nuggets like?
Gold Nugget Plecos will do best with a soft, sandy substrate. The substrate is not the most important consideration for mid and top-level fish, but for bottom dwellers like Gold Nugget Plecos, it is really important.
Where do gold nugget plecos live?
Like other plecos, Gold Nugget Plecos are bottom dwellers who live along the bottom portion of your aquarium and scavenge for food, snacking on algae and leftover food that drops down from middle and top dwellers.
Where did the gold nugget originate?
Originating in South America, the Gold Nugget Pleco, scientific name Baryancistrus xanthellus is found mainly in Brazil, but also in Venezuela. They populate the tributaries of the Amazon River and, therefore, will appreciate a lush aquascape with plenty of caves and driftwood that mimic their habitat of origin.
Why do gold nuggets like plants?
Lush greenery is an ideal addition for any tank because it’s not only beautiful to look at, but they offer plenty of benefits. Detritus that comes from plants is a source of nutrition, and they create healthier water.
What is a golden nugget?
The Golden Nugget Pleco is an incredible addition to any aquarium because of its unique colors and markings. They are relatively easy to care for, and they make great tank mates for your already established aquarium. For everything you need to know about the Golden Nugget Pleco, keep reading.
What fish has a dark green body?
Catfish are not always the best-looking fish, and the look of suckermouth fish can be an acquired taste, but the Gold Nugget Pleco is a striking fish. It often has a dark green or black body and is covered in plenty of yellow polka-dots.
How long do gold nuggets live?
On average, a Gold Nugget Pleco can live up to five years in captivity. It’s not entirely clear how long they can live in the wild, but it’s reported that it might be an additional two or three years. If you’re providing the best care to your fish, with the best equipment and an excellent diet, they can reach six or seven years old.
What is the name of the fish in the aquarium?
The fish’s full name is Gold Nugget Plecostomus, which we refer to as Pleco for short. The suckermouth catfish is categorized as part ...
Where do golden nuggets live?
The Golden Nugget Pleco, or Baryancistrus xanthellus , hails from South America, mainly found around Brazil and Venezuela. In their natural habitat, they have access to caves and driftwood in the Amazon River, which makes them prefer darker conditions. They are used to an aquascape that is abundant in greenery and thriving natural elements ...
Where do gold nuggets hang out?
As mentioned, the Gold Nugget Pleco loves to hide and hang out at the bottom of the tank, so any decorations that will cater to that are perfect for them.
How to reduce risk of gold nugget pleco?
The easiest way to reduce the risk of your Gold Nugget Pleco being affected by one of these is to simply take great care of them. This applies primarily to the quality of their water and diet.
What color are gold nugget plecos?
While they’re only yellow and black, the contrast and pattern on their body are quite eye-catching. Gold Nugget Plecos are pretty much entirely black with a multitude of small yellow spots that cover their whole body. These spots are evenly spaced and roughly the same size all around.
How long do gold nuggets live?
Lifespan. The average Gold Nugget Pleco lifespan is around 5 years when kept in captivity. In the wild, this number has been reported to be a few years longer. This lifespan assumes these fish are getting optimal care.
Why are gold nuggets territorial?
The reason they can get pretty territorial with other catfish is they all tend to occupy the same space. You can sometimes get away with this if you have a massive tank, but that can be challenging considering the size of the Gold Nugget Pleco.
Do gold nuggets eat algae?
Coming up with a feeding plan is one of the easiest parts of Gold Nugget Pleco care. These fish are not picky eaters and will happily munch on whatever you give them. However, it’s still important to spend some time planning their diet. In the wild, this species is one of the best algae eaters out there.
Can gold nugget pleco eat living plants?
Your Gold Nugget Pleco will also enjoy snacking on any small pieces that fall off these plants as well. But don’t worry, they won’t eat your living plants!
Can gold nuggets be bred at home?
There are no well-documented reports or guidelines for breeding methods in captivity. Simply put, this is not a species you can breed at home.
What is a Golden Nugget Pleco?
The golden nugget pleco is a relatively recently discovered species belonging to the Loricariidae family and coming from Brazil.
Where do Golden Nugget Plecos Come From?
Golden nugget plecos originate from Brazil, and they belong to the so-called benthic animals.
How Long do Golden Nugget Plecos Live?
Generally speaking, your golden nugget pleco will live up to 5 years in captivity. This is the optimistic lifespan, based on optimal living conditions, adequate diet, and a peaceful and healthy lifestyle.
How Big do Golden Nugget Plecos Get?
Expect the golden nugget to reach sizes between 6 to 10 inches. This makes the fish quite impressive by aquarium standards and unfit for small and medium tanks.
How to Care for Golden Nugget Pleco?
The essentials are similar to whatever any other fish in the same family prefers. There are some exceptions, however, since the golden nugget pleco isn’t exactly like other pleco species.
Tank Size
I would suggest going straight for a 50-gallon tank for one pleco. This is the ideal tank size for a 10-inch golden nugget, and since you can’t control the fish’s size, you have no way of knowing how much it will grow.
Water Requirements
The good news is that golden nugget plecos are easy to please in this sense. Their ideal water conditions include:
Species Preview
Gold Nugget Pleco, short form for Gold Nugget Plecostomus and have different names such as “ Golden Nugget ” and “ Gold Nugget “. It is scientifically known as “ Baryancistrus xanthellus“, and it is freshwater fish species found on the tributaries of the Amazon River.
Origin and Distribution
Gold Nugget Pleco has survived in the aquarium community for over 25 years and is still one of the most favorite versions of the “ Lorricariidae ” family.
Appearance and Colors
The L018 is beautiful Pleco fish species. You can spot one from a mile due to the spectacular sucker-mouth and backward pointed large pectoral fins. Its caudal fins, unlike other aquatic life members, have larger dorsal fins.
Gold Nugget Pleco Size
In natural conditions, they will grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) while in aquarium conditions the growth is much reduced between 6 to 9 inches. For maximum growth and colorations, ensure the tank is always clean.
Gold Nugget Pleco Lifespan
Gold Nugget Pleco lifespan is pretty out of the optimal care provided. With utmost care and lighting in the aquarium environment, the fish is known to go up to 7 years but typically has a 5 years lifespan.
Behavior & Temperament
As mentioned, Gold Nugget Plecos prefer dark lighting. They mainly live under the plants or rocks for dim light. Generally, they are bottom dwellers; this cuts across the entire Pleco fish family. They prefer the bottom clearing up any algae growth eating any leftovers dropped by top dwellers.
Gold Nugget Pleco Care
We have mentioned that the Gold Nugget Pleco is a straightforward fish. At least you won’t have any complicated care provision issues. Once well-fed, ensure the tank has enough aquarium plants and lighting.
Gold Nugget Pleco Facts & Overview
Appearance
- Let’s face it–some catfish can be pretty drab looking, and the appeal of the suckermouth is certainly not universal. But the Gold Nugget Pleco looks like it could be swimming down the catwalk in the latest fashion show. With a dark green to black body, it’s covered in uniform-sized and spaced yellow dots. They are also framed with yellow borders at the end of the caudal and d…
Habitat and Tank Conditions
- Taking my recommendation of a 55-gallon minimum tank size, it is important to keep in mind that these are larger sized fish that need the room. You might think a smaller tank will suffice due to the fact that they will stay on the bottom of the tank and because they are not fast swimmers like some other mid and top dwellers like hatchet fish, their substantial size requires a larger tank. Y…
Diet
- We have already established that Gold Nugget Plecos will eat algae from the tank walls, detritus that falls off of plants, and leftover food that floats down from top- and mid-level fish meals. This information should allow you to deduce that Gold Nugget Plecos are not picky eaters. If they don’t find enough food on their own, you can supplement it...
Care
- All aquarium fish should be provided with an environment in which they can thrive. This means maintaining the water parameters and conditions I detailed earlier a varied diet, and most of all, reducing their stress. For Gold Nugget Plecos, you can limit stress by keeping them away from other plecos and providing them with plenty of space. These catfish are on the pricier end of th…
Breeding
- Gold Nugget Plecos are not good candidates for home breeding. I have seen some articles detailing methods of home breeding, but the truth is that these suckermouth catfish have not been successfully bred in captivity. It would be unfair and stressful for the Gold Nugget Pleco if you tried to breed them at home, so I strongly caution against trying such a risky and fruitless ve…
Are Gold Nugget Plecos Suitable For Your Aquarium?
- If you’re a fan of big fish, I highly recommend the yellow-spotted Gold Nugget Pleco. They provide a splash of color to your community tank. If you have an established tank that’s big enough, and you have abundant mid-and upper-level fish and a sparse bottom level, the Gold Nugget Pleco may be just the suckermouth catfish to complete your community aquarium. If you are looking t…
Species Overview
Appearance
Size
Gold Nugget Pleco Care
What Do Gold Nugget Plecos Eat?
- Creating an all-inclusive feeding plan is the most effective way to maintain Gold Nugget Plecos at home. And as usual, this begins with a proper mastery of the fish’s dietary habits in the wild and captivity. Luckily for you, Gold Nugget Plecos aren’t fussy eaters in any environment. They spend much of their time searching for algae and other suita...
Behavior & Temperament
Gold Nugget Pleco Tank Mates
Breeding
Final Thoughts