Gold Nugget Pleco L081 (Baryancistrus sp. L081) Care Guide

Baryancistrus sp. L081 is a black, yellow-spotted "gold nugget" pleco from the Rio Xingu; a herbivorous biofilm grazer needing a warm, spacious, oxygen-rich tank.

Overview

Baryancistrus sp. L081 is the classic "gold nugget" pleco, a black suckermouth catfish of the family Loricariidae (genus Baryancistrus) marked with bright yellow spots. The L081 form has finer spotting than the larger-dotted L177. Like other members of the genus it bears a membrane connecting the dorsal and adipose fins.

Taxonomy

Family: Loricariidae
Scientific name: Baryancistrus sp. L081
Subfamily: Hypostominae
Common synonyms: L081, Gold Nugget Pleco

Habitat

According to PlanetCatfish, the L081 is found in the Rio Xingu in Brazil, somewhat further south than other gold-nugget forms. The genus inhabits flowing, clearwater stretches, so the aquarium should provide warm, well-oxygenated water with moderate current and rocky or wooden retreats.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79 gal)
Adult size: 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 in)
Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 2-12 °dGH
Lifespan: 8-12 years

Diet

Baryancistrus are primarily herbivores and biofilm grazers that need food available throughout the day. A vegetable-rich diet (blanched vegetables, spirulina) together with the biofilm and algae growing on wood and rock suits the fish, with only modest amounts of meatier foods.

Compatibility

It is a bottom-dwelling fish, peaceful toward unrelated species, but males can be very territorial and may fight vehemently when they see one another. Keeping several specimens requires plenty of space and barriers of rock and wood to give weaker individuals refuge. It mixes with calm tetras and Corydoras.

Breeding

Sexing is difficult even in adults, and most Baryancistrus have probably not been bred in captivity.