Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Gold Nugget Pleco
Baryancistrus xanthellus
Also called L018, L081, L085, L177, LDA060
From Endemic to Brazil: the Volta Grande of the Rio Xingu between Belo Monte falls and the mouth of the Rio Iriri, plus the middle and lower Rio Iriri, in Pará12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Armoured suckermouth catfish
A sturdy, dark pleco covered in bright yellow-gold spots, with gold edges on the dorsal and tail fins that are broad in young fish and shrink to small tips as it grows. Mature males develop wider, flatter heads and longer pectoral-fin spines.1
Personality what they are like
Young fish are fairly peaceful, but adult males become firmly territorial toward their own kind. Usually kept singly.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A bottom-dweller from warm, fast, rocky rapids; appreciates strong current and plenty of oxygen.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep warm water at 27 to 32 C, pH 6.0 to 8.0 and hardness 3 to 15 dGH. Strong filtration, high oxygen and frequent partial water changes are important.1
Home where they are happiest
Seriously Fish recommends a base of at least 120 x 45 cm (about 243 litres). Use rocks and caves to create territories and break lines of sight.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly a grazer of algae and biofilm, also taking small invertebrates. Offer sinking foods with vegetable content, gel foods, vegetables, fruit and some bloodworm.1
Company who they like around
Best alone or with medium to large characins that use the upper water, so they stay out of its way.1
The story where it all began
This pleco was popular in the trade for years under many L-numbers before it was formally described in 2011.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Before being formally named in 2011 it was traded under at least seven different codes.2
- 2
Juveniles have broad yellow bands on the dorsal and tail fins, which shrink to small tips in adults.1
- 3
It lives only in the Xingu and Iriri river systems of Brazil.2
- 4
Its belly has no bony plates, unlike its armoured back and sides.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy
- Described by Rapp Py-Daniel, Zuanon and de Oliveira in 20112
- IUCN Red List
- Near Threatened2
- Aquarium trade codes
- Traded under several codes including L018, L081, L085, L177 and LDA0602
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Gold Nugget Pleco. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Gold Nugget Pleco?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer food daily, but watch that your pleco gets enough without overfeeding.1 Furry Diary plan
What does a Gold Nugget Pleco eat, and what should it never eat?
It mainly grazes on algae and biofilm, and enjoys sinking foods with vegetable content, gel foods, veggies, fruit, and some bloodworm. Avoid any foods not meant for fish, and never give it medicines or human foods without vet advice.1
How much space does a Gold Nugget Pleco need?
Seriously Fish recommends a base of at least 120 x 45 cm, which is about 243 litres. Provide rocks and caves to create territories and break lines of sight.1
What temperature, light or water does a Gold Nugget Pleco need?
Keep warm water at 27 to 32°C, pH 6.0 to 8.0, and hardness 3 to 15 dGH. Strong filtration, high oxygen, and frequent partial water changes are important.1
How often should I clean a Gold Nugget Pleco's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and monthly filter rinsing in old tank water (never tap water). Furry Diary plan
Can a Gold Nugget Pleco live with others?
Young fish are fairly peaceful, but adult males become territorial toward their own kind, so it's best kept alone or with medium to large characins that stay in the upper water.1
How long does a Gold Nugget Pleco live?
Lifespan varies; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific expectations for your fish.
Can I handle a Gold Nugget Pleco?
It's best not to handle this fish; it's a bottom-dweller that can be stressed by handling. Enjoy watching it in its tank instead.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Baryancistrus xanthellus (Gold Nugget Pleco) - Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, care, diet, behaviour, colours
- Baryancistrus xanthellus - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, size, taxonomy, IUCN
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.