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Racso's store got some gold nugget plecos in the other day, and he can buy them for right around $10 each They're retailing for $45

If I remember correctly, they were in fact labeled as L18s, and do look like [link=this]http://www.planetcatfish.com/cotm/2000_12.php" style="COLOR: #FF82AB[/link].

I know there are a few species that are called "gold nuggets", so I was wondering if anyone had any info on L18s specifically? I assume they're a smaller species like BNs, but then again assuming can get you in trouble. Are they any more or less delicate than other plecos? Anything we should know about or be warned of before buying one?

Thanks

><>Dani<><

It's actually quite hard to distinguish between L-18 and 81, as, towards adulthood, the two look nearly identical. Mine, as of now, is 2 years of age (I had a duo, but the proposed female died on me , and is around 7". With this in mind, they can grow to at least a foot in length. Baryancistrids are slow growers, and quite aggressive to other lower strata feeders. That being said, if you have no other loricariids in the tank, and you've got appropriate housing (75+ gallons with much free swimming space), I say go for it. Gold nuggets are not beginner's fish. Most will die off within a year of introduction, despite even the most pristine of conditions, often as a result of a sudden hunger strike. This is observed in other baryancistrids as well, including mangoes, one of the most notoriously didifcult plecos to raise in the aquarium, though wild species of farlowella (aka. accus), are a close second.



Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 02-Apr-2005 11:41

Yeah, if you or Racso really want to give them a try, by all means go for it! They do seem to be pretty delicate; my work has lost a few of our last shipment already. These fish do indeed grow fairly large, most sources that I've seen list their maximum size at thirteen inches. They aren't good algae eaters, but will accept veggies such as zucchini. They are fond of meaty foods, and will benefit from a variety of live and frozen meals. If you can give these fish a nice big tank, they will prove interesting plecos to raise.

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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."

Just seen those pics.

Wow, they are amazing.

All I need now is a new house with floors that can take a 125 gallon aquarium for them

As for the confusion over identity, is there any reliable diagnostic criterion that separates them other than dissection?

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002