How to Care for a Gold Nugget Pleco

A member of the Loricariidae family, the gold nugget pleco (plecostomus) is actually a small, sucker-mouth catfish. This egg-layer, considered a peaceful scavenger, grows up to 6 inches in length at maturity. If you are looking for a gold nugget pleco for your tank, ask for an L-18 at the pet shop. L-18 is the name given to this bottom feeder by fish enthusiasts. Keep in mind that the gold nugget pleco does have special needs and will require a moderate level of care.

Things You'll Need

  • 50-gallon freshwater tank
  • Aerator
  • Driftwood
  • Plant
  • Stones
  • Fish tank heater
  • Water pH testing kit
  • Aquarium vacuum
  • Freeze-dried bloodworms
  • High quality flakes
  • Sinkable carnivore pellets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide the gold nugget pleco with at least a 50-gallon, freshwater tank. A strong current provided by an aerator is also a must for the gold nugget pleco, which loves well-oxygenated water.

    • 2

      Include two or three pieces of driftwood in the tank setup along with a few plants and a layer of stones. The driftwood, plants and stone substrate will give the pleco plenty of places to hide.

    • 3

      Maintain an overall water temperature between 73 and 79 degrees F. A fish tank heater can help with water temperature control. The pH of the water should also stay within a range of 6.5 to 7.0 in order for the pleco to remain healthy. A water pH testing kit can help keep the tank water in check.

    • 4

      Vacuum the stone substrate regularly with an aquarium vacuum. A buildup of food and debris at the bottom of the tank can cause the gold nugget pleco to acquire fungal and bacterial infections.

    • 5

      Feed the gold nugget pleco a supplemental diet of freeze-dried bloodworms, high quality flakes or sinkable carnivore pellets. Although the gold nugget pleco will naturally gravitate to algae, he will eat the supplemental diet when algae are scarce.