Dark fish with yellow spots, wide fins with yellow margins, and a flattened head.

Gold nugget pleco

Baryancistrus xanthellus
Where at Shedd?
Amazon Rising
Diet Algae, plant debris, small shellfish and insect larvae
Size Length: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Type Fishes
Range South America
Habitat Xingu River basin

Did you know?

  1. These fish use their sucking mouths and rasping teeth to feed on algae and other foods on the river bottom.
  2. This subfamily of catfish is primarily active at night, preferring to hide during the day in woody and rocky areas.
  3. This species was just given a scientific name in 2011.
  4. The young group together under flat rocks at the bottom of shallow rapid stretches. Adults are found around and under boulders.