Edit Baryancistrus xanthellus

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Name

Scientific name

Baryancistrus xanthellus

Described by

Authority Rapp Py-Daniel, Zuanon & Ribeiro de Oliveira, Year 2011

Family

Loricariidae

Common names

Gold Nugget Pleco, L018, L085, L177, LDA060, L081

Photograph credits

All 1 credited

Summary

The gold nugget pleco, Baryancistrus xanthellus, is a suckermouth catfish endemic to the rio Xingu basin in Pará state, Brazil. It lives in…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

224mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 27–32°C, pH 6–8

Hardness

3–15dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Brazil, Iriri, Xingu

Writing

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Endemic to the rio Xingu basin where it inhabits a section of the river's main channel known as 'Volta Grande do rio Xingu' which lies between Belo Monte falls…

Habitat

Occurs predominantly in whitewater rapids with young specimens observed to congregate under flat rocks at the bottom of shallow stretches whereas adults are fo…

Aquarium size

Given the adult size an aquarium with base dimensions of 120 ∗ 45 cm or equivalent should be the smallest considered for long-term maintenance.

Maintenance

Not difficult to maintain under the correct conditions but largely unsuitable for the 'general' community aquarium. We recommend keeping it in a set-up designe…

Water conditions

Temperature: 27 – 32 °C; this species will not thrive in cooler water. pH: 6.0 – 8.0 Hardness: 3 – 15 dGH

Diet

Gut analyses of wild specimens revealed the diet to be composed chiefly of algae, particularly diatoms and filamentous genera such as Spirogyra alongside small…

Gut analyses of wild specimens revealed the diet to be composed chiefly of algae, particularly diatoms and filamentous genera such as Spirogyra alongside smaller amounts of invertebrates such as chironomids and bryozoans.

In the aquarium aufwuchs should thus be allowed to colonise all surfaces except the viewing pane in order that the fish can browse naturally although the diet should of course be supplemented with high-quality sinking dried foods (preferably with added vegetable content), live or frozen bloodworm and similar, plus slices of fresh fruit and vegetables and the occasional defrosted prawn or shrimp.

Home-made, gelatine-bound recipes containing a mixture of puréed fish food, shellfish, fruit and vegetables, are also proven to work well and in many ways represent the ideal staple diet since the ingredients can be altered at will, and when made well such foods contain a greater concentration and diversity of nutrients than any of the other options.

Baryancistrus spp. are often under-nourished and/or suffering from health issues post-importation and may require an extended period of quarantine and acclimatisation. They also have a relatively high metabolic rate and may initially require several meals per day.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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Year

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Pages

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Behaviour and compatibility

Juveniles are relatively peaceful but males in particular become highly intolerant of conspecifics as they age and typically aggressive towards any other fish …

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males develop a broader, slightly flatter head profile and longer pectoral-fin spines than females.

Reproduction

Fish traded as L081 have been bred on a single occasion. Any successful attempt is likely to depend on providing a large tank, well-oxygenated water and an exc…

Notes

Prior to description this species was traded under the DATZ code numbers L018, L085, or L177, and 'Das Aquarium' code LDA060, while a very similar-looking fish…

References

8 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References