The Baryancistrus Xanthellus L177 4-5cm Wild(Baryancistrus xanthellus), known as the Golden Nugget Pleco, is a highly sought-after loricariid with bright yellow spots and a golden dorsal/caudal border. Offered here in a size of 4-5 cm (young wild specimens), it is intended for spacious, stable and very well filtered aquariums in our freshwater world and our well-equipped aquariums.

Behaviour & maintenance

The Baryancistrus L177 is a mainly nocturnal bottom-dwelling fish, generally peaceful with open water fish, but can become territorial towards other loricariids, especially those of similar size or at hiding places.

• Active mainly at night, it spends the day sheltered in caves or under roots.
• Compatible with small to medium-sized calm fish occupying the environment/surface.
• Provide multiple shelters to limit conflicts between bottom-dwelling fish.

Provide an aquarium of at least 200-250 L for one individual, more when cohabiting with other pleco. Powerful filtration, a strong current and well-oxygenated water are essential. Use starter bacteria before you introduce them and check your parameters regularly with water tests.

Diet

Omnivorous species with a strong plant component, specialising in grazing on biofilm and algae on surfaces.

• Basis: flowable pastilles and granules for pleco, rich in fibre and plants (spirulina, algae, etc.).
• Regular supplements of poached vegetables (courgette, cucumber, spinach).
• Moderate protein intake: frozen/live (artemia, mysis, small crustaceans) without excess to avoid obesity and intestinal problems.

Find out more about our foods for bottom-dwelling fish. In planted tanks, choose robust plants and support them with aquarium fertiliser.

Water quality

• Ideal temperature: 26 - 30°C
• pH: 6.0 - 7.3
• GH: 3 - 10 °dGH
• KH: 1 - 6 °KH
• Conductivity: 120 - 300 µS

Before introduction, treat the water with a water conditioner. This loricariid is sensitive to nitrites and nitrates: carry out weekly water changes (20-30%) and monitor your parameters with our water tests.

Decor & environment

In the wild, Baryancistrus xanthellus lives in rocky areas with strong currents. Reproduce a decor rich in relief and hiding places:

• Sand or rounded gravelaquarium substrate.
• Numerous stones, roots and caves to provide individual refuges.
• Moderate to subdued lighting, with areas of shade.

For an optimal environment, use aquarium substrate, ouraquascaping elements and aquarium lighting. Complement with decorations to create caves and interstices.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

To keep your Golden Nugget in perfect condition, ensure maximum oxygenation, low nitrate levels and a diet rich in plants. Increase the number of hiding places and regularly monitor your parameters with our water tests.

Shipping & delivery of live fish

The fish are shipped with care in specially adapted isothermal packaging, guaranteeing their safety during transport.

Delivery methods

• France Express (secure home delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• In-store collection at Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipment organisation

• Orders closed: every Monday at 10.00 am.
• France: departures on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the delivery department, for delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium & Luxembourg: departures on Monday and Tuesday for delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.