The L177 Golden Nugget Pleco is a striking South American catfish known for its deep black body adorned with bright yellow spots and fin edges. Native to the Rio Xingu in Brazil, this species thrives in warm, well-oxygenated, fast-flowing water with plenty of rocks, driftwood, and hiding caves. It prefers temperatures between 78–86°F (25–30°C) and soft to moderately hard water with slightly acidic to neutral pH. Golden Nuggets are omnivorous but lean toward herbivory—feed them high-quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein foods like bloodworms or shrimp. They are peaceful but territorial toward other plecos, especially of similar appearance. With pristine water conditions and a mature tank, they can live 8–10 years and grow to about 7–9 inches.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Baryancistrus xanthellus |
| Common Name | Golden Nugget Pleco, L177 Pleco |
| Origin | Rio Xingu, Brazil |
| Size | 7–9 inches (18–23 cm) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Tank Size | Minimum 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 78–86°F (25–30°C) |
| pH Range | 6.4–7.5 |
| Hardness | 2–12 dGH |
| Diet | Omnivore; algae wafers, blanched veggies, bloodworms, shrimp |
| Temperament | Peaceful but territorial with other plecos |
| Tank Setup | Caves, rocks, driftwood, strong current, soft substrate |
| Compatibility | Suits peaceful tankmates; avoid aggressive or large bottom dwellers |
| Special Care | Needs high oxygen, strong filtration, and consistent water quality |