Gold Nugget Pleco, Baryancistrus sp. (L018, L085)
Sexing:
According to Vires, "Dimorphism is difficult to notice unless the fish are at full breeding size. Probably the easiest way to sex these fishes is by the shape of their foreheads. Males have a flatter, more leveled slope to their foreheads and are slightly wider. Females have a more rounded forehead and are slightly plumper when in spawning condition. There is no noticeable difference in odontodal growth in either species."
Breeding:
Quoting Vires, "After having spawned this species off and on for nearly 3 years, I had not found the requirement which would make it possible to easily duplicate the success until late last year. Each time, in the past, the fish would dig caves under the same piece of slate mounted driftwood and spawn in my Hypancistrus zebra grow-out tank. Whenever the pair was removed to another tank to attempt a spawning , nothing ever resulted from the effort. This is where my theory about the effects of current came in. When setting up a new tank system, in an attempt to produce commercial numbers of several species, I intentionally oversize the pump to guarantee a good oxygen supply for all the fishes in the system. However, I had to find a place for my breeders while I made spray bars for the tanks and the fish were left overnight with only a direct flow from the water inlet. The next morning, upon inspection to see if everyone survived what I though would be stressful conditions, I found a cluster of eggs laid in the bottom of the tank in front of a rock. From that point on, convincing these fish to spawn has not been that difficult. Once a pair of fish is conditioned and have found a suitable spawning suite, the addition of a supplemental powerhead aimed at the cave is all that is required. Raising the fry is not very difficult, but this is a long process. They will not reach beyond 2 inches within 6 months of age. Feedings should be given regularly with baby brineshrimp initially and the food size increase as the fry gain some size."
I don't have this species. Someone asked me if I could find any info. Might have to start a colony now.
Sexing:
According to Vires, "Dimorphism is difficult to notice unless the fish are at full breeding size. Probably the easiest way to sex these fishes is by the shape of their foreheads. Males have a flatter, more leveled slope to their foreheads and are slightly wider. Females have a more rounded forehead and are slightly plumper when in spawning condition. There is no noticeable difference in odontodal growth in either species."
Breeding:
Quoting Vires, "After having spawned this species off and on for nearly 3 years, I had not found the requirement which would make it possible to easily duplicate the success until late last year. Each time, in the past, the fish would dig caves under the same piece of slate mounted driftwood and spawn in my Hypancistrus zebra grow-out tank. Whenever the pair was removed to another tank to attempt a spawning , nothing ever resulted from the effort. This is where my theory about the effects of current came in. When setting up a new tank system, in an attempt to produce commercial numbers of several species, I intentionally oversize the pump to guarantee a good oxygen supply for all the fishes in the system. However, I had to find a place for my breeders while I made spray bars for the tanks and the fish were left overnight with only a direct flow from the water inlet. The next morning, upon inspection to see if everyone survived what I though would be stressful conditions, I found a cluster of eggs laid in the bottom of the tank in front of a rock. From that point on, convincing these fish to spawn has not been that difficult. Once a pair of fish is conditioned and have found a suitable spawning suite, the addition of a supplemental powerhead aimed at the cave is all that is required. Raising the fry is not very difficult, but this is a long process. They will not reach beyond 2 inches within 6 months of age. Feedings should be given regularly with baby brineshrimp initially and the food size increase as the fry gain some size."
I don't have this species. Someone asked me if I could find any info. Might have to start a colony now.
