Gold nugget pleco
Baryancistrus xanthellus
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Recommended tank
- 250 L
- Maximum size
- 25 cm
- Temperature
- 25–29 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The gold nugget pleco from the Rio Xingu is dark with a dense pattern of golden spots and a yellow-edged dorsal and tail fin. Young fish have the largest, brightest spots; with age these become finer.
It comes from fast-flowing, oxygen-rich water, and with this species that is no luxury: provide strong flow and a well-maintained tank. It grazes film algae but also needs vegetable food, and adults defend their own cave against other bottom fish.
Good to know
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.