Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus) Care Guide

A stunning pleco with a jet-black body adorned with bright yellow or golden spots and yellow-tipped dorsal and caudal fins.

Overview

Baryancistrus xanthellus is a species in the family Loricariidae. A stunning pleco with a jet-black body adorned with bright yellow or golden spots and yellow-tipped dorsal and caudal fins. Native to the rapids of the Rio Xingu in Brazil, it requires warm, well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong flow. Territorial with other bottom-dwellers but generally peaceful with midwater fish.

Taxonomy

Family: Loricariidae
Genus: Baryancistrus
Scientific name: Baryancistrus xanthellus
Other names: L018, L081, L177, Baryancistrus xanthellus
Origin: South America

Habitat

Endemic to the Rio Xingu and adjacent clearwater rivers of the Brazilian state of Pará. Inhabits rocky rapids with strong current and warm water. Identified in the aquarium trade by the L-number L018; feeds largely on aufwuchs and small invertebrates grazed from rock surfaces.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 26-30 °C
pH: 5.5-7.5
GH: 2-15 °dGH
Adult size: 18-24 cm
Lifespan: 8-15 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Discus, Cardinal Tetra, Rummy-Nose Tetra, Sterbai Corydoras, Angelfish
Avoid with: Other territorial plecos, Aggressive cichlids

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: advanced