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Mango Plecostomus, L047 (Baryancistrus sp.),

One of the less conspicuous appearing members of the baryancistrus genus, the mango pleco is nonetheless a handsome and gratifying fish to keep. Unlike it’s gold nugget brethren, this species lacks the hodgepodge of spots running along it’s flanks, and is, instead, colored in a monochromatic hue of deep olive green (the darker the fish, the healthier), save the yellow rimmed fins. Adult individuals may sometimes experience light dottage down their dorsal side.

Hailing from the fast, warm currents of the famed Rio Xingu (actually a ways upstream, but can be considered as part of the vicinity for documentary purposes), they enjoy to bask amidst heavily agitated, well oxygenated water. Although not a high maintenance fish, weekly water changes are necessary, and water parameters, especially nitrate, should be checked with regularity. These fish are best kept at a neutral pH of 7.0. Water temperatures should be 25 centigrade at the bare minimum; preferably somewhere around the 27 range.

Mangoes are not particularly aggressive foragers and may need some assistance and encouragement in order to initiate feeding in a new aquarium. Once weaned, few foods are rejected, as, in the wild, they are detritus feeders and will gorge themselves on just about anything that can decompose and sink to the riverbed. Plant matter is also accepted, especially fibrous vegetables such as squash.

In true baryancistrus style, two individuals of the same species will quarrel fiercely, and should not be housed together unless done so in a large aquarium with an assortment of potential territories—arched stone crevices are preferred, however such structures can be unstable, and therefore are best left siliconed to flat industrial grade slate or substituted with driftwood. They also achieve noticeably large sizes of 12-13 inches in length. Mangoes are a great choice for the discus and/or non aggressive aquarium. Driftwood, though not eaten, is a great territorial medium and will help the fish settle in and attain a sense of security (as with most of the family, they are shy, nocturnal fish and need plenty of shelter during nonforaging hours).


http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/loricari/baryanci/191_f.php

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=21&pCatId=1170

Great article.

That's a beautiful pleco - good choice!

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I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

I agree..good article and nice pleco

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I know human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully.

Cool pleco. And I'll say what has already been said, great article Keep up the good work

It's official. Every Fish of the Week article posted this week has featured a plec.

And a nice plec choice indeed. However, it must be noted that this fish is sometimes said to rarely reach adulthood. It's a shame, for such a beautiful fish.

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

NIce article and great fish. DOes anyone have one around the boards?

Nope, though I had the chance to buy one once. They really are quite beautiful plecs, and I bet they're fun to keep. Good choice of fish for the article.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."