−12%
Difficult
L081 Baryancistrus sp.
26–30°C · pH 6–7.5 · 300L
£48.39£54.99
The L018 Golden Nugget Pleco is a striking, peaceful gold-patterned Baryancistrus for large, warm, well-filtered tanks.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
L018 Baryancistrus sp. Golden Nugget
The L018 Golden Nugget Pleco is a striking, peaceful gold-patterned Baryancistrus for large, warm, well-filtered tanks.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The L018 Golden Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus sp.) is one of the most coveted L-number catfish in the hobby, its trade name pointing to the golden patterning that makes the species so recognisable. This is a substantial, slow-growing loricariid that, at up to around 18 cm and a potential decade-plus lifespan, turns a mature aquarium into a proper riverine display.
It is, however, a specialist's fish, and we list it as a difficult-care species best suited to experienced keepers. Originating from warm South American rivers, it expects clean, well-oxygenated water held between pH 6.0 and 7.5, with soft to moderate hardness of 1-12 dGH and a temperature of 24-30°C. Because of its eventual size and need for a stable, established environment, it calls for a tank of at least 400 litres with strong flow, efficient filtration and smooth boulders and driftwood to graze and shelter among.
Diet is primarily herbivorous: it grazes algae and biofilm across the substrate as a bottom-dweller, supplemented with the occasional meatier offering to keep it in condition. Despite its bulk, it is a genuinely peaceful catfish, which is much of its appeal as a long-term resident. Because it grazes constantly across the lower levels, a well-established aquarium with mature biofilm and a steady, well-oxygenated current suits it far better than a freshly set-up tank. Patience during its first weeks pays off in a healthy, confident long-term resident, and given its eventual size and decade-long lifespan, it is very much an investment fish that rewards thoughtful planning of the system around it from the outset.
It mixes well with peaceful midwater fish, small to medium tetras, rasboras, corydoras, non-aggressive dwarf cichlids and other peaceful community fish. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large territorial catfish, fin-nippers, very boisterous species, other plecos in undersized tanks, and very small shrimp or snails that may be eaten. Your L018 Golden Nugget ships via a licensed live-animal courier with our live arrival guarantee for safe delivery across the UK.
26–30°C · pH 6–7.5 · 300L
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