Tips for getting gold nugget pleco to eat

Bobtastic_001

Exodon
MFK Member
Sep 11, 2015
82
59
21
3" gp won't eat. Water levels are great and pH is low to mid 7 temp at 78-80F. Have tried vegetables, shrimp, veg and protein pellet and no luck. There is driftwood in tank. Please help he has turned very pale and is not very active
 

Linus_Cello

Candiru
MFK Member
May 27, 2009
761
23
48
Washington DC
I'd say start with one that is eating.
Unfortunately, some exporters will over-medicate and use meds to kill off parasites, and also kill off the gut flora in the GN. One option is to keep the GN with ancistrus, and the gut flora from the ancistrus poop will get in to the GN (diffusion, or eating the poop).
Otherwise, lots of oxygen, warm water (80 F), keep it dark, and try garlic on the food items.
 

Bobtastic_001

Exodon
MFK Member
Sep 11, 2015
82
59
21
The fish has finally died unfortunately. A trusted local source mentioned that anything originating in the Xingu River (which gold nuggets are) should be kept in warmer water. At least 85F he said. I have been at 78-80
 

BIG-G

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Dec 12, 2005
3,856
4,654
179
NC
Sorry to hear that. Its tough sometimes. Im finding out myself how hard it is to get good stock when it comes to plecos.
 

Bobtastic_001

Exodon
MFK Member
Sep 11, 2015
82
59
21
I'm in MA, USA. Paid $50 for 3" gn. Average price for this fish in my area. Not average for me to spend on a fish. Tough loss
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store