The Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) -Baryancistrus xanthellushas a striking appearance with a black body and bright yellow spots that cover the entire body, including the fins. It can grow up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length.
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) Juvenile versus Adult
Juvenile Gold Nugget Plecos have a more vibrant and contrasting colouration than the adults. They are typically covered in bright yellow-gold spots or flecks over a dark brown or black background, with a bold stripe running horizontally along their body. Their fins are also colourful, with yellow-gold and black stripes or bands.
As the Gold Nugget Pleco matures, its coloration tends to become less contrasting and more muted. The yellow-gold spots may become larger and more irregular, and the black background may fade to a lighter brown or grey. The horizontal stripe may also become less bold or disappear altogether. The fins may retain some of their colour patterning, but they are generally less colourful than those of juveniles.
It’s worth noting that there can be some variation in colouration between individual Gold Nugget Plecos, even among juveniles or adults. However, the general trend is for juveniles to have more vibrant and contrasting colours than the adults.
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) Natural Habitat.
The Gold Nugget Pleco is a freshwater species that is native to South America. They are typically found in the Amazon basin, where they inhabit slow-moving rivers, creeks, and tributaries that are shaded by dense vegetation.
In their natural habitat, Gold Nugget Plecos are often found in areas with sandy or rocky substrates. They are known to inhabit caves, crevices, and other hiding places where they can seek shelter and protection from predators. These hiding places can be found in rocky outcrops, submerged logs, and other natural debris.
Gold Nugget Plecos also prefer areas with moderate to strong water flow, as this helps to oxygenate the water and maintain a healthy environment. They are known to feed on algae and other plant material that grows on rocks and other surfaces in their habitat, as well as on small invertebrates that they find in the substrate.
Overall, the natural habitat of the Gold Nugget Pleco is characterized by a combination of rocky substrate, dense vegetation, and moderate to strong water flow. They are a hardy species that can adapt to a range of water conditions, but they thrive best in environments that closely mimic their natural habitat.
Keeping Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) Pleco Healthy.
The Gold Nugget Pleco has some special requirements when it comes to feeding and tank setup. Here are some important considerations:
- Diet: In the wild, Gold Nugget Plecos are omnivores and feed on algae, plant matter, and small crustaceans. In captivity, it’s important to provide a varied diet that mimics their natural diet. You can feed them sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp. It’s recommended to feed them twice a day and remove any uneaten food after a few hours to maintain good water quality.
- Tank setup: The Gold Nugget Pleco requires a well-oxygenated and well-filtered aquarium with plenty of hiding places like caves, rocks, and driftwood. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.5-7.5 and a temperature range of 75-82°F. A substrate of fine sand or smooth gravel is recommended to prevent damage to their delicate barbels.
- Water quality: Gold Nugget Plecos are sensitive to poor water quality, so it’s important to maintain clean water conditions. Regular water changes of 20-30% every two weeks can help keep the water clean and stable.
- JBL Pleco food: JBL is a brand that produces high-quality fish foods, including specialized foods for plecos. JBL Pleco XL and JBL Novo Pleco are two examples of foods that are recommended for Gold Nugget Plecos. These foods contain a blend of plant matter and protein sources that can help provide a balanced and nutritious diet for your fish.
- Supplements: It’s important to supplement your Gold Nugget Pleco’s diet with additional sources of nutrition. Calcium supplements like cuttlebone can help support healthy bone growth, while spirulina or other algae supplements can provide additional nutrition and support healthy digestive function.
By providing your Gold Nugget Pleco with a well-balanced diet, a suitable tank setup, and good water quality, you can help ensure that they thrive in captivity.
Special Requirements and Feeding.
The Gold Nugget Pleco is primarily herbivorous and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality algae wafers, fresh vegetables, and occasional meaty foods. It also requires plenty of hiding places, such as caves or driftwood, to help it feel secure.
How Many Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) Should I Keep.
Gold Nugget Plecos are peaceful fish and can be kept singly or in small groups of three to four individuals. However, they may become territorial as they mature.
Lighting Preference.
The Gold Nugget Pleco prefers dimly lit aquariums with plenty of hiding places.
Suitable Tank Mates.
Gold Nugget Plecos are generally peaceful fish that can be kept with other non-aggressive fish of similar size. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras.
Breeding Gold Nuggets.
Breeding Gold Nugget Plecos can be challenging, but with the right setup and care, it is possible to achieve success. Here is a detailed overview of the breeding process:
- Sexing: Gold Nugget Plecos are sexually dimorphic, which means males and females have distinct physical differences. Males typically have longer odontoid growth (An odontoid growth on plecos refers to the development of a small protrusion or spike-like structure on the fish’s lower lip. This growth is typically seen in male plecos during breeding season and is used to assert dominance over other males and attract females. The odontoid growth is a keratinized extension of the lower lip, which is covered in small, backward-facing teeth called odontodes. When males are in breeding condition, their odontoid growth will often become larger and more pronounced, giving them an even greater advantage over other males. While the odontoid growth is a natural part of the pleco’s reproductive behaviour, it is important to note that excessive aggression or damage to the growth can lead to infection and other health issues. on their pectoral fins and are generally larger than females. Females have a rounder body shape, while males have a more slender shape.
- Spawning: Gold Nugget Plecos breed through internal fertilization. It is best to have a breeding pair in a separate tank with plenty of hiding places. Water parameters should be maintained and kept consistent. The temperature should be around 82°F, pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and water hardness between 4 and 12 dGH.
- Courtship: The male will begin to court the female by circling her and displaying his fins. If the female is receptive, she will follow the male and begin to nudge him.
- Nest preparation: The male will select a suitable site, such as a flat rock or piece of wood, and clean the area with his mouth. He will then deposit a cluster of sperm on the surface to fertilize the eggs.
- Egg-laying: The female will lay her eggs in the area that the male has prepared. The male will then fertilize the eggs by releasing his sperm over them.
- Incubation: After fertilization, the eggs will hatch within 3-5 days. The male will then guard the eggs and keep them clean. It is important to keep the water quality high during this time to prevent fungus growth.
- Fry rearing: After the eggs hatch, the fry will remain attached to the spawning site for a few days until they absorb their yolk sacs. Once they are free-swimming, they can be fed with infusoria and later with commercial foods designed for fry.
- Juvenile care: Gold Nugget Pleco fry grow quickly and should be provided with ample hiding places, such as caves and driftwood. Keep water parameters consistent, and maintain high water quality to prevent any infections.
- Separation: When the juvenile Gold Nugget Plecos reach around 1 inch in size, they should be separated into their own tank or sold to other aquarists.
Breeding Gold Nugget Plecos can be challenging, but with patience and dedication, it is possible to achieve success and raise a healthy brood of fry.
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) Sexual Dimorphism.
Male Gold Nugget Plecos have a broader head and a more pronounced odontodal growth on their pectoral fins than females.
Distribution.
The Gold Nugget Pleco is native to the Amazon Basin in South America. While some specimens are captive-bred, the majority are wild-caught.
Summary.
The Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) is a striking fish with specific water requirements and feeding needs. It prefers rocky areas with plenty of hiding places and strong water flow. While challenging to keep and breed, it can be a rewarding addition to a well-maintained aquarium.
To view our other Pleco species please click here.
Dry Goods Delivery.
The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:
- Dispatch Timeframe: Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same day. Orders placed after 2pm will be dispatched on the next working day.
- Delivery Date and Time Guarantee: While the store aims to dispatch orders promptly, they cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time. As the delivery process relies on couriers, there may be factors beyond their control that could affect the delivery timeframe.
- 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
- 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
- APC Next Day Delivery: APC Next Day delivery is available for UK mainland postcodes. It is usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch. However, please note that items being delivered to more remote areas may require additional time for delivery.
It’s important to keep in mind that while the store strives to provide efficient delivery services, unforeseen circumstances or external factors could potentially impact delivery times. For further details or specific inquiries about delivery, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Livestock Delivery.
The store maintains specific policies regarding the delivery of livestock. Here are the key points:
- Licensed Livestock Courier: The store exclusively uses a licensed livestock courier for shipping fish and coral. This approach is chosen to ensure responsible and ethical transportation of the livestock.
- Livestock Shipping Fee: The livestock shipping fee charged to customers of £19.99 does not cover the true cost, and therefore, there is a minimum spend requirement of £30.00 before the option for livestock shipping becomes available.
- Pre-Arranged Delivery: The store never ships livestock without first arranging a suitable delivery day. Before dispatching the livestock, the store must confirm the agreed-upon delivery day with the customer.
- Saturday Delivery Confirmation: Customers who choose Saturday delivery must have their availability confirmed for the upcoming Saturday before the store sends out the livestock. This confirmation ensures that the livestock can be received promptly.
- Failure to wait for livestock: Not waiting for livestock, even if there is a reasonable delay, or cancelling an order after it has been dispatched will lead to you incurring charges for an emergency return to the base. Additionally, any losses of livestock will also be charged to you. Please be aware that the items you are ordering are living creatures – livestock. We kindly ask that you refrain from ordering livestock if you are unable to accommodate the possibility of a delayed delivery.
These terms and conditions are a fundamental aspect of our policy. Our primary goal is to dissuade individuals who could react negatively to a delayed delivery and subsequently request order cancellations. It is of utmost importance to underscore that your order pertains to living creatures, not mere inanimate objects. In the event of an occasional delay, it is crucial that you respond in a rational and responsible manner, taking into account the welfare of the livestock. We kindly request that you refrain from placing an order for livestock if you tend to react strongly to such situations. By proceeding with the order of livestock, you indicate your acceptance and agreement to abide by these specified terms and conditions.
- Signature Requirement: Livestock deliveries require a signature upon receipt and cannot be left in a safe location. This precaution ensures proper handling and the well-being of the livestock.
- Geographic Restrictions: The courier has strict geographic restrictions for livestock deliveries. Unfortunately, deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and certain Scottish offshore postcodes may not be possible. Customers are encouraged to contact the store via email to confirm if livestock delivery is available in their area.
- Minimum Order Value and Order Cancellations: The store has a minimum order value of £30 for livestock shipping. Additionally, the store reserves the right to cancel orders that are deemed high-risk or involve a high number of single tropical freshwater fish species.
It is essential for customers to familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or reach out to the store directly for clarification.
Livestock Geographical Exemptions.
The store has specific geographical exemptions for livestock deliveries. Here is a list of the areas and postcodes where livestock delivery is not available:
- Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
- Postcodes: Livestock delivery is not available to the following postcodes:
- AB30 to AB39, AB41 to AB45, AB51 to AB56
- DD8 to DD10
- BT all
- DG3 to DG9, DG12 to DG14
- KA18 to KA19, KA26, KA29 to KA30
- HS all
- IM all
- JE all
- ZE all
- KW15 to KW17
- TD9
- FK17 to FK21
- GY all
- KA26, to KA28
- PA20 to PA38, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA61, PA76 to PA78
- TR21, to TR25
- PH3 to PH26, PH30 to PH44
- IV all
Customers residing in these areas should be aware that livestock delivery is not available to their location.
We can ship livestock to the Isle of Wight, this area is subject to a surcharge.
For further information or specific inquiries about livestock delivery to a particular area, customers are advised to contact the store directly for clarification.
Cancellation.
According to the store’s policy, customers have the right to cancel an order within 14 working days of receiving the goods. To initiate the cancellation, the goods must be returned to the store in new and unused condition, adhering to their Returns Policy.
Important points regarding the return process are as follows:
- Return Condition: The goods must be returned in new and unused condition, as originally received. It is important to ensure that the goods are in the same condition as when they were sent out.
- Return Timeframe: The goods must be received by the store within 21 days of notifying them about the cancellation. During this time, customers are responsible for any loss or damage that may occur during the return shipping process.
- Refund Process: Once the store receives the goods in new and unused condition, they will initiate the refund process. The purchase price will be refunded to the customer.
- Return Condition Inspection: If the returned goods arrive in a condition that is less than what they were sent out in, the store reserves the right to return the goods to the customer, and no refund will be processed.
It is essential for customers to carefully review the store’s Returns Policy and follow the specified procedures to ensure a smooth and successful return and refund process. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Returns.
According to the store’s return policy, the following guidelines should be followed for returning goods:
- Use Returns Form: Customers need to use the store’s provided returns form to initiate the return process. This form helps the store acknowledge that the goods are being sent back.
- Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
- Refund of Postage Fees: The store will only refund postage fees if the order arrives damaged or becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of purchase. Proof of posting is important, and customers should ensure the goods are well-packed and obtain proof of posting as the goods remain their responsibility until received by the store.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Replacement: If goods are being returned within 7 days of purchase under the Replacement Policy, the store can refund postage costs. However, the customer needs to agree on a delivery service with the store in advance, and only standard or tracked shipping fees will be refunded. The store cannot refund the cost of any special delivery service.
- Non-Refundable Postage: Postage costs for goods returned for any other reason than those mentioned above are non-refundable. The store reserves the right to deduct the original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Mistaken Purchases: If a customer has made a mistake in their purchase, they need to return the goods to the store. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs in such cases.
It is important for customers to carefully follow the store’s return procedures and terms and conditions. For further details or specific inquiries, customers should refer to the store’s website or contact the store directly.
Replacements
If customers receive faulty goods, the following guidelines apply according to the store’s policy:
- Notification of Faulty Goods: Customers must notify the store within 7 working days if they receive faulty goods. This notification should be made as soon as possible.
- Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
- Return of Goods: If replacement parts are not possible, the store may request customers to return the faulty goods in accordance with their Returns Policy. The specific return procedures and conditions should be followed.
- Verification of Damage: Once the store receives the returned goods, they will verify the damage. If the damage is confirmed, the store will supply the required replacements.
- Return Postage Costs: If the goods returned to the store are found to be in good working order, the store is not able to refund the return postage costs. Additionally, the store reserves the right to deduct their original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Consequential Loss or Damage: The store cannot take responsibility for any consequential loss or damage that arises directly or indirectly from the goods supplied.
Customers should carefully review and adhere to the store’s Returns Policy and procedures for returning faulty goods. For further clarification or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Manufacturer’s Guarantees
The store works in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that their guarantees are honored, and they make their best efforts to resolve issues within the warranty period. The following guidelines apply to refunds and replacements:
- Postage Costs under Manufacturer’s Guarantee: Postage costs can only be refunded if the goods are returned to the store within 7 days of the original purchase, as per the manufacturer’s guarantee.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Faulty Goods: The store will refund postage costs for guarantee/warranty returns only if the product becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of receipt.
- Replacements with Manufacturer Authorization: Replacements, whether parts or goods, can only be offered when authorized by the manufacturer. Customers should contact the store for further guidance in such cases.
- Prior Approval for Returns: Goods should not be returned to the store without prior approval. Customers need to contact the store and obtain approval before returning any items.
- Replacement of Glass or Ceramic Items: Glass or ceramic items can only be replaced if the store is notified within 48 hours of receiving the delivery.
- Replacement of Glass Bulbs/Tubes: Glass bulbs or tubes can only be replaced if they become faulty within 14 days.
Customers should note and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution of any issues with their purchased items. For specific inquiries or further information, customers are advised to refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Breakages
According to the store’s policy, customers have the following responsibilities regarding breakages:
- Checking Goods on Arrival: It is the customer’s responsibility to thoroughly check the goods upon arrival for any damage. This should be done before signing for the parcel. If the parcel appears damaged, it is advised not to sign for it.
- Reporting Breakages: Any breakages or damages must be reported to the store within 48 hours of receiving the goods. It is important to promptly notify the store to initiate the resolution process.
By carefully inspecting the goods upon arrival and reporting any breakages within the specified timeframe, customers can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the issue. For specific instructions on reporting breakages or further information, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
andrew cureton (verified owner) –
Excellent condition, really healthy fish