Baryancistrus xanthellus (L018-Golden Nugget) 3″-4″

The Baryancistrus xanthellus (L018), commonly known as the Gold Nugget Pleco, is a stunning and sought-after species of pleco known for its vibrant yellow spots and stripes on a dark black body. Native to the Rio Xingu in Brazil, this species is prized for its striking appearance and peaceful temperament. However, the Gold Nugget Pleco has specific care requirements to ensure it thrives in a home aquarium. Here’s a complete care guide for the L018 Gold Nugget Pleco.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • Minimum: A 75-gallon tank is recommended for a single Gold Nugget Pleco, as they can grow up to 7-8 inches (18-20 cm). If you plan to keep multiple plecos or other large fish, a 100-gallon or larger tank is ideal to provide ample space and reduce territorial issues.
• Water Parameters:
  • pH: 6.5 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
  • Hardness: 4-12 dGH (soft to medium).
  • Temperature: 75°F – 82°F (24°C – 28°C). Gold Nugget Plecos are tropical fish and thrive in warm water conditions.
  • Water Flow: Moderate to strong. Since they are found in the fast-moving rivers of the Rio Xingu, it’s essential to replicate this environment with good filtration and strong water movement to ensure proper oxygenation and water quality.
• Substrate:
  • A soft, sandy substrate is ideal for Gold Nugget Plecos. They spend much of their time foraging along the bottom of the tank, and a smooth substrate helps prevent damage to their sensitive barbels.
  • Avoid sharp or rough gravel, as it can cause injury.
• Decor:
  • Provide plenty of hiding spots with caves, rocks, and driftwood. Gold Nugget Plecos are nocturnal and will spend most of the day hiding.
  • Driftwood is also beneficial for their diet and helps mimic their natural habitat by encouraging biofilm growth.

Diet and Feeding

• Omnivorous Diet:
  Gold Nugget Plecos are omnivores, requiring both plant matter and animal proteins in their diet for optimal health and coloration.

Primary Foods:

• Sinking pelletsor wafers designed for plecos or herbivorous fish.
• Algae wafers are essential to provide the necessary plant material.
• Fresh vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, spinach, or blanched peas.
• Protein sources: Offer occasional frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and mysis shrimp.

• Feeding Frequency:
  • Feed once or twice a day, offering only as much food as the pleco can consume in a few hours. Remove any leftover food to prevent water quality issues.
• Feeding Tips:
  • Since Gold Nugget Plecos are bottom feeders, ensure that sinking foods are provided at the bottom of the tank.
  • Avoid overfeeding, as plecos are notorious for producing waste, which can negatively impact water quality if not cleaned up.

Tankmates

• Compatible Tankmates:
  Gold Nugget Plecos are peaceful and can be kept with other fish that do not compete for food at the bottom of the tank. Good tankmates include:
  • Larger, peaceful cichlids like Angelfish, Discus, or Apistogramma.
  • Rainbowfish, barbs, tetras, or other community fish that stay away from the bottom.
  • Other plecos such as Clown Plecos or Baryancistrus species, as long as there is enough space.
• Incompatible Tankmates:
  • Avoid keeping Gold Nugget Plecos with aggressive fish like Oscars, Jack Dempseys, or Cichlasoma, as they can stress the pleco.
  • Small bottom-dwelling fish or aggressive species may outcompete the pleco for food.
  • Small shrimp and delicate fish might also be at risk, especially when the pleco is hungry.

Behavior and Habitat Preferences

• Activity Level:
  Gold Nugget Plecos are nocturnal and are most active during the night. They spend their days hiding in caves or behind tank decorations. At night, they forage for food along the substrate and can be seen rasping on rocks and driftwood.
• Social Behavior:
  • They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with other bottom-dwelling species. Multiple Gold Nugget Plecos can be kept in the same tank as long as there is sufficient space and hiding spots for each fish.
  • They can also be kept with other non-aggressive, larger species, but avoid keeping too many bottom dwellers together to prevent aggression and competition for space.
• Water Quality:
  • Regular water changes (20-30% per week) are essential to maintain water quality, as plecos are messy eaters.
  • Strong filtration and regular maintenance are needed to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated, especially given their waste production.

Breeding

• Breeding in Captivity:
  Breeding the Gold Nugget Pleco in captivity is difficult but possible. The fish are cave spawners, and the male typically guards a cave where the female lays her eggs. The male fertilizes the eggs and guards them until they hatch.

Water conditions for breeding:

• Slightly cooler temperatures (around 75°F – 78°F).
• Good water quality and plenty of hiding spots to encourage spawning.
• Provide a well-balanced diet to encourage breeding.

• Fry Care:
  • After hatching, the male guards the eggs and the fry. The fry will need fine food like crushed pellets or live foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp.
  • Raising pleco fry can be challenging, so be prepared to provide excellent care and food for them as they grow.

Summary

The Baryancistrus xanthellus (L018), or Gold Nugget Pleco, is a beautiful, peaceful fish that requires careful attention to water quality, diet, and tankmates. These plecos are nocturnal, active at night, and appreciate a tank with plenty of hiding places, a soft sandy substrate, and driftwood. By providing the correct environment, water parameters, and diet, the Gold Nugget Pleco can thrive and become a stunning centerpiece in your aquarium. Regular maintenance, good filtration, and an appropriate tank setup are essential for their health and vibrant coloration.