Gold nugget but which one is he?

[spwd]

Hi guys we bought this little fellow at the weekend as a gold nugget but we are unsure which one it is?
The shop said he will get about six inches which is what we want and not the ones that get to 14" ish.

cheers steve

 

[cob201]

I'd guess L018, which is one of the bigger ones, but these grow extremely slowly, often not at all unless appropriate conditions are provided.

Here's a good article about Baryancistrus sp. "nuggets" which gives tips on ID and keeping - http://www.planetcatfish.com/shanesworld/shanesworld.php?article_id=382

Conrad

 

[spwd]

Hi cob we read that but still cant make our mind up?

cheers steve

 

[IITUFFTOBEATII]

Its not likely that it will grow much larger than it is already, regardless of what exact species it is.

 

[spwd]

Hi mate,why not??

Is this a problem with nuggets and is this why big ones are so expensive?

cheers steve

 

[IITUFFTOBEATII]

Hi mate,why not??

Is this a problem with nuggets and is this why big ones are so expensive?

cheers steve

Correct. They do not grow much in captivity, if at all.

 

[B_IN_SD]

I think it is a L-018 http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=155

Here is a crappy pic of all 3 species of gold nugget pleco's together.The bottom left pleco is a peppermint not a nugget the others are albino long fin bn's
GN GN
L-177 L-018

PEPPERMINT GN
L-176 L-081

 

[Flash]

L-18. L-18 and L-81 are the same species, L-81 being the adult. There is a reason on why they don't grow much, or at all, in captivity. The reason is that in their habitat, their main food is called biofilm. It grows in the Xingu River, where they originate from, and can not be replicated in captivity or small ponds. Ponds larger then 10x20', yes, but I don't know of anyone who has had this food grow for them. I'm sure other Xingu species eat it, like L-46, 66 and others, but it isn't their primary source. That's why they don't get big in captivity. I'd love to get my hands on a few adults, but they're rarely brought in, and if they are, good luck finding a 12" one for a price under $300. Most of this info is from an article on PC. I'll look for it.

 

[Flash]

http://www.planetcatfish.com/shanesworld/shanesworld.php?article_id=382

 

[cob201]

If you give it the right conditions - constant access to mainly vegetable foods, with occasional protein, high temp, and high dissolved oxygen - It will grow, if you don't it will survive but will not grow much. Also L018 and L081 are different species, L085 is the adult of L018.
Conrad