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The Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus), also known as L018, is one of the most spectacular and highly sought-after Loricariid catfish. Its jet-black body is adorned with vivid golden spots and finished with brilliant yellow edging along the dorsal and caudal fins. Native to the legendary Rio Xingu in Brazil, this pleco thrives in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters and is a true centerpiece species for the serious aquarist.

What We Love About This Fish:

Bold golden spots and striking fin edging
A showpiece pleco that adds contrast to any aquascape
Generally peaceful and compatible with other community fish
Hardy when given stable water conditions and proper diet

Natural Habitat:

The Gold Nugget Pleco is a wild-type species from Brazils Rio Xingu, a tributary of the Amazon River. In its natural range, this pleco inhabits fast-moving, rocky waters with high oxygen levels, strong currents, and numerous submerged rocks and crevices. These conditions shape its natural behaviors, from clinging to surfaces to grazing on algae and biofilm.

Aquascaping:

Plants: Hardy, broad-leaf plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, and Amazon Swords can withstand the flow and the plecos activity.
Hardscape: Rocky caves, slate, and especially driftwood provide shelter, territory, and grazing areas.
Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves, Catappa Bark, and alder cones can help mimic tannin-rich waters while providing biofilm.

Diet and Feeding:

Gold Nugget Plecos are omnivores. In the aquarium, they require a balanced diet of sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber), and occasional protein-rich foods such as bloodworms, mysis shrimp, or brine shrimp. Driftwood is essential in their environment for grazing and digestion.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

Gold Nugget Plecos are peaceful and make excellent additions to community aquariums. They coexist well with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and other mid- or top-dwelling fish. They may display mild territoriality toward other plecos or bottom dwellers if space and hiding spots are limited.

Shrimp Compatibility:

Safe with adult shrimp, but may consume baby shrimp or fry if food is scarce. Provide ample hiding places if housing with breeding shrimp colonies.

Breeding:

Captive breeding of L018 is rare and extremely challenging due to their specific habitat needs. In the wild, they are cave spawners that require strong current, pristine water, and proper caves for egg deposition and fry protection. Most specimens available in the trade are wild-caught.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

Temperature: 74 82 F (23 28 C)
pH: 6.0 7.5
KH: 2 10
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons

Care Guidelines:

Diet: Omnivorous; requires algae, vegetables, and supplemental protein.
Social Behavior: Peaceful; semi-territorial with other plecos.
Origin: Wild-caught from Brazil (Rio Xingu).
Average Adult Size: 7 9 inches (18 23 cm)
Average Purchase Size: 2.5 3.5 inches (6 10 cm)

Bring home the dazzling Gold Nugget Pleco a living jewel from Brazils Rio Xingu and a true treasure for community and display aquariums.

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