The Golden Nugget Pleco is perhaps number 2 in line of the great symbols of Rio Xingu, Brazil after Hypancistrus zebra. They are found in great numbers throughout the rapids there, with different varieties of a pattern consisting of yellow spots and fin seams against pitch black body colouration. As they grow and mature, the spots gradually diminish in size and icrease in number, and the yellow fin-seams are eventually lost.
Facts:
Name: Baryancistrus xanthellus (Rapp Py-Daniel, Zuanon & de Oliveira, 2011)
Trade names: Golden Nugget, L18, L81, L85, L177
Origin: Rio Xingu, Rio Iriri, Brazil
Maximum TL: 30 cm / 12”
The Golden Nuggets have several l-numbers attached to them, as they vary in their pattern. Oddly enough, even a charcoal grey variety without spots is known, this has no L-number. The scientists in Brazil confirm it is indeed a colour-morph of the same species. As far as I know, it has never been exported and is ignored by fishermen because of its unappealing look.
Baryancistrus are constantly grazing feeding machines, and it takes quite a bit of food to make them grow and thrive in captivity. They are often undernurished when they finally reach their private owner after some time ‘on the road’, so they can be slightly diffiult to take care of at first. Algae and microorganisms is their main diet, so vegetables should be given along with small frozen foods and high quality dried foods. A good current, clean, warm water and hiding places among rocks and roots must be present. Adults may be slightly territorial, so provide enough space. Breeding reports for Golden Nuggets are known, but rare. You can read more about it here: https://www.ig-bssw.org/successful-breeding-of-baryancistrus-xanthellus/?lang=en
More info:
http://www.l-welse.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/27/cat/31
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=153
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/baryancistrus-xanthellus/
https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/baryancistrus-xanthellus-l18-l81-l81n-l177-2