Common Name: Fine Spot Gold Nugget Pleco
Scientific Name: Baryancistrus xanthellus
Other Names: L081, Gold Nugget Pleco, Fine Spot Pleco
The Fine Spot Gold Nugget Pleco is a visually stunning freshwater fish known for its dark body adorned with numerous small, bright yellow spots and a yellow margin along its dorsal and caudal fins. This attractive coloration makes it highly desirable among aquarists. The body is robust and elongated, covered in hard bony plates, characteristic of the Baryancistrus genus.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Fine Spot Gold Nugget Pleco is native to the Rio Xingu and Rio Iriri in Brazil. These rivers are known for their fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters with rocky substrates. The natural habitat provides plenty of hiding spots among rocks and submerged wood, essential for the well-being of these plecos.
Size and Lifespan:
In both the wild and captivity, Fine Spot Gold Nugget Plecos can grow up to 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) in length. With proper care, their lifespan can range from 10 to 15 years, depending on the quality of their diet and water conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
Fine Spot Gold Nugget Plecos are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, biofilm, and plant matter in their natural habitat. In an aquarium, their diet should include high-quality sinking algae wafers, spirulina tablets, and fresh vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and spinach. They may also consume some protein-rich foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp occasionally. These plecos are primarily nocturnal and are most active during the night. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish, making them suitable for community tanks.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Fine Spot Gold Nugget Plecos in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved. They are cave spawners, with the female laying eggs in a secluded spot such as a small cave or hollow piece of driftwood. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. To encourage breeding, provide plenty of hiding spots and caves, and maintain optimal water conditions with regular water changes. Successful breeding typically requires very large, well-maintained tanks.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their size and specific dietary needs, Fine Spot Gold Nugget Plecos require a medium to large aquarium, with a minimum of 50-75 gallons recommended for adult specimens. The tank should have a soft, sandy or fine gravel substrate to prevent injury to their delicate barbels. Include plenty of hiding spots created with rocks, driftwood, and caves to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality, as these fish produce a significant amount of waste. The water temperature should be kept between 77-86°F (25-30°C), with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Fine Spot Gold Nugget Plecos can be kept with other peaceful fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and other small catfish. Avoid housing them with large, aggressive species that may cause stress or injury.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. While Fine Spot Gold Nugget Plecos are hardy and adaptable, they require specific tank conditions and diet to thrive, making them suitable for aquarists with some experience.
Water Parameters:
-
Temperature: 77-86°F (25-30°C)
-
pH: 6.5-7.5
-
General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
-
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4-10 dKH
-
Ammonia: 0 ppm (ideal)
-
Nitrite: 0 ppm (ideal)
-
Nitrate: <20 ppm (ideal)
Additional Information:
- The Fine Spot Gold Nugget Pleco’s vibrant yellow spots and fin margins make it a striking addition to any medium to large aquarium.
- They are known for their peaceful nature and ability to coexist with a variety of tank mates, provided they are not too small.
