Pleco Identification

[Nexus]

Hi,
We purchased a Pleco that was supposed to be a peppermint but it definitely is not it looks to be a Golden Nugget possibly L177 but any hints would be appreciated.

Cheers
Nick

[jonjpl]

Hi, it is a Golden Nugget. Here is a little info I found. Hope it helps.
James




Gold Nugget Pleco
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.


Baryancistrus sp.


Quick Stats: Gold Nugget Pleco
Family: Loricariidae
Range: Brazil - Rio Xingu and Rio Iriri Rivers
Size: Up to 6 inches
Diet: Omnivores and Herbivores represented in species
Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Rocks, sparse plants, driftwood
Tank Conditions: 73-79ºF; pH 6.5-7.0; dH 8-10, oxygen-rich water
Minimum Tank Capacity: 50 gallons
Light: Low
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: Bottom
Care Level: Moderate
Reproduction: Egg Layer


The name "Gold Nugget Pleco" is short for "Gold Nugget Plecostomus." It is a suckermouth catfish which was first captured and exported to Great Britain in 1981. Due to the abundance of stock available in the catfish category, it has become very difficult to categorize them by species. As a result, you may see a reference to the letter "L" for the family Loricariidae, followed by a number. The Gold Nugget Pleco is referred to as L018 or L-18 by most hobbyists.

The Gold Nugget Pleco is a shy bottom-dweller that requires plenty of driftwood in its environment.

Unfortunately, the Gold Nugget's breeding habits have not been documented.

Indigenous to the Rio Xingu and Rio Iriri rivers in Brazil, South America, the Baryancistrus sp. includes both herbivores and omnivores. A diet rich in vegetable matter such as sinking Spirulina wafers or sinking pellets will provide this unique species with the proper nutrition.

Ideal tank mates include:

Angelfish
Discus
Other Cichlids
Tetras
Rasboras
Danios
Barbs
Gouramis
Rainbowfish
Guppies
Mollies
Platies
Swordtails
Loaches
Other Plecos
Peaceful scavengers




Photo courtesy of T.F.H. Publications, publishers of the Burgess Atlas.

[haroldo359]

very nice, whichever it is.

[hisba]

deff a gold nugget, peppermints don't have that splash of, well, gold on their fins
Very nice one tho, I would be happy with it!
My b/f won't let me get any pl*cos for our tanks, says they poo too much... which they do.. but they are cool looking, my favorites are the royal, lemon spotted green and zebra types. I've only ever had the common and sailfin ones.