Baryancistrus xanthellus is a species of armored catfish endemic to Brazil. It is a benthic fresh water fish that lives in Rio Xingu in the Amazon system. It reaches a length of 22.4 centimetres (8.8 in) SL.[1] There are larger species that occasionally enter the hobby as well.
Golden Nugget' is a popular aquarium fish, and has been described with various L-numbers and the common names of "gold nugget" and "golden nugget pleco" until the species was scientifically described in 2011. They demand a high water quality. The ideal temperature is 25–30 °C (77–86 °F), and the pH range is between 6.0 - 7.4 but preferably below 6.8 in the aquarium. These should never be kept with aggressive fish.
There are at least three types of Gold Nuggets in the aquarium trade; L-018 (also known as L-085), L-081 and L-177. These are separate species, or subspecies of several species, as determined by several ichthyologists. The Golden nuggets are described with L-numbers in wait of a proper scientific classification.
L-081 has small dots.
L-018/L-085 has medium-sized dots.
L-177 has large dots.