L018 Catfish (Baryancistrus xanthellus) Import

The L018 Catfish, scientifically known as Baryancistrus xanthellus, is commonly referred to as the Gold Nugget Pleco or Big Spot Gold Nugget Pleco. It’s a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts for its striking appearance and unique characteristics. Here’s an overview:

Physical Characteristics:
Size: Can grow to nearly 20 cm (almost 8 inches) in length, making it a medium-sized pleco.
Coloration: Features a dark gray to black body with bright gold or yellow spots and seams along the dorsal and caudal fins. As they mature, the spots can become more numerous but smaller, transitioning from a polka-dot to a speckled or starry appearance.
Body Shape: Like other Loricariidae, they have an armored, elongated body with a flat ventral surface, well-suited for life on the bottom of the tank.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Temperament: Known for being territorial, especially among their own kind. They can be aggressive towards other bottom-dwellers if space is limited.
Tankmates: Best kept with mid-water and top-dwelling fish that won’t compete for bottom territory. Suitable tankmates include tetras, rasboras, or larger, peaceful fish that won’t harass them.
Social Behavior: Should be kept singly or in a spacious tank if keeping multiple; males can be particularly territorial.

Habitat Requirements:
Tank Size: A minimum of 60 gallons for a single male or a small group of females; 100 gallons if keeping more than one male to mitigate aggression.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 26°C – 29°C (78.8°F – 84.2°F).
pH: 6.0 – 7.5.
Hardness: Preferably soft to moderately hard water.
Substrate: Should include plenty of driftwood, rocks, and caves for hiding and grazing. They are from fast-flowing waters, so a strong current is beneficial.

Diet:
Omnivorous: Their diet in the wild includes biofilm, algae, and small invertebrates. In captivity, they require:
Algae wafers and vegetable matter for the majority of their diet.
Protein from occasional feedings of bloodworms, brine shrimp, or other meaty foods.
Repashy gel foods are recommended due to their softer teeth which prefer softer foods.

Care Tips:
Aquarium Setup: Replicate their natural habitat with a focus on oxygenation and water movement.
Lighting: Low to moderate; they are more active at night.
Water Quality: Sensitive to poor water conditions; regular partial water changes are crucial.

Breeding:
Reproduction: Breeding can be demanding; success has been reported with temperature adjustments, increased water flow, and ensuring pristine water conditions.
Behavior: Males become more territorial during breeding.
Eggs: Laid in caves or on flat surfaces; males guard the eggs.

The Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) is not merely a fish but a statement in any aquarium, bringing both beauty and a challenge in care. Their need for specific conditions and territorial nature makes them suitable for aquarists with some experience in managing pleco species.