Gold nugget pleco

Baryancistrus xanthellus

Yellow spotting on a dark body comes with adult territoriality and demanding oxygen needs.

Adult length: Up to 29.7 cm
Water temperature: 27–32 °C
pH: 6–8
Hardness: 3–15 dGH

Provide warm, oxygen-rich moving water, rock surfaces and clean conditions. Adult territoriality can differ sharply from juvenile behaviour.

View comparison →

Appearance and identification

Head and body spots remain distinctive; broad juvenile yellow fin margins diminish with maturity. Several trade numbers do not automatically mean several species.

Floor and movement space

Attributed base reference [120, 45] cm; stage and group capacity unverified.

Aquarium environment

Tough attached plants may be considered, with plant-eating risk. Temperature, oxygen, flow and territories come before algae-control expectations.

Diet and feeding

Maintain grazing surfaces and supply suitable sinking foods; closely check newly arrived fish for thinness and actual feeding.

Sources