Queen Gold Nugget Pleco
Live Fish
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Queen Gold Nugget Pleco
The Queen Gold Nugget Pleco, a member of the Loricariidae family, is a striking freshwater fish admired for its bright yellow spots and fin highlights. Native to the fast-flowing, rocky rivers of Brazil’s Rio Xingu, this pleco is a favorite among aquarists who seek both beauty and utility in algae-eating species.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Common Name | Queen Gold Nugget Pleco |
| Scientific Name | Baryancistrus xanthellus |
| Other IDs | L018, L085, L177 (variants) |
| Origin | Rio Xingu, Brazil |
| Size | Up to 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) |
| Lifespan | 10+ years with proper care |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy |
| Tank Level | Bottom dweller |
| Diet | Omnivorous (algae, biofilm, vegetables, protein) |
Tank Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Tank Size | 55 gallons (larger for adults) |
| Water Temperature | 77–86°F (25–30°C) |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.4 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Water Hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
| Filtration | Strong current & oxygenation (mimics natural habitat) |
| Substrate | Fine sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Driftwood, caves, and rocks for hiding |
| Lighting | Low to moderate (prefers dim areas) |
Behavior and Compatibility
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Disposition: Generally peaceful and shy. Not aggressive but territorial with its own kind or similar-shaped bottom dwellers.
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Tankmates: Ideal with tetras, rasboras, peaceful cichlids, and other non-aggressive species.
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Activity: Nocturnal—more active at night or in dim lighting.
Feeding Habits
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Diet in Captivity:
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Algae wafers
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Blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach
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Occasional meaty foods like shrimp or bloodworms
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Note: Requires a balanced diet; cannot survive on algae alone in a mature tank.
Breeding
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Difficulty: Very challenging in captivity due to specific conditions required.
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Behavior: Males guard eggs in caves. Spawning occurs in tight crevices under specific seasonal flow conditions—rarely replicated in home aquariums.
Health Considerations
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Sensitive to water quality: Requires excellent filtration and stable conditions.
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Common issues: Stress-related diseases, lack of appetite in poor water or improper diet.
