Native Location: Rio Xingu in Brazil
Climate: Tropical
Maximum Size: 22cm
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Diet: Mainly Herbivores
Breeding: Not common
Temperature Range: 27-32℃ (80-89.6℉)
Preferred pH Range: 6.0-8.0
Minimum Aquarium Size: 120cm x 45cm
Potential Tankmates: Mid-swimming Tetras and peaceful cichlids.
Care Level: Moderate
Fish are currently over 13cm
The Gold Nugget Pleco is stunning and one of the most recognisable of them all. Famed for its bright yellow spots and loved the world over, the Gold Nugget Pleco is a wonderful addition to the right aquarium.
Found in whitewater rapids, they do require very fast-flowing water. Ideally, an aquarium is set up to resemble a river bed with a substrate mixture consisting of sand and gravel. Large smooth stones of various sizes will provide ample places for the Gold Nugget Pleco to graze on.
In the home aquarium, we should allow aufwuchs to colonise on the back and sides while encouraging a fine growth of algae to form on the stone surfaces. Strong lighting will work well in this setting. Providing a variety of foods like algae tablets and wafers. FishScience Oak & Algae wafers are a favourite of our Gold Nuggets. Although mainly vegetarian, they will not decline the odd bloodworm from time to time.
Breeding the Gold Nugget Pleco is not been documented but may be possible in a very large mature aquarium.
Photo is an indication of the fish.
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat for any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.
