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November 24, 2009
Freshwater Fish
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Gold Nugget Pleco
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Gold Nugget Pleco
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

The name "Gold Nugget Pleco" is short for "Gold Nugget Plecostomus." It is a suckermouth catfish which was first captured and exported to Great Britain in 1981. Due to the abundance of stock available in the catfish category, it has become very difficult to categorize them by species. As a result, you may see a reference to the letter "L" for the family Loricariidae, followed by a number. The Gold Nugget Pleco is referred to as L018 or L-18 by most hobbyists.

The Gold Nugget Pleco is a shy bottom-dweller that requires plenty of driftwood in its environment.

Unfortunately, the Gold Nugget's breeding habits have not been documented.

Indigenous to the Rio Xingu and Rio Iriri rivers in Brazil, South America, the Baryancistrus sp. includes both herbivores and omnivores. A diet rich in vegetable matter such as sinking Spirulina wafers or sinking pellets will provide this unique species with the proper nutrition.

Ideal tank mates include: Angelfish, Discus, other Cichlids, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Barbs, Gouramis, Rainbowfish, Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Loaches, other Plecos and peaceful scavengers.

Fish Facts
Name: Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus sp.)
Family: Loricariidae
Range: Brazil — Rio Xingu and Rio Iriri Rivers
Size: Up to 6 inches
Diet: Omnivores and Herbivores represented in species
Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Rocks, sparse plants, driftwood
Tank Conditions: 73-79°F; pH 6.5-7.0; dH 8-10, oxygen-rich water
Minimum Tank Capacity: 50 gallons
Light: Low
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: Bottom
Care Level: Moderate
Reproduction: Egg Layer
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Picture(s): Courtesy of Drs. Foster and Smith |
Information provided courtesy of PetEducation.com

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