Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Gold King Tiger Plecostomus or Pleco for short, also known as the L333 Pleco, are native to highly oxygenated and rocky waters of the Rio Xingu in Brazil though some specimens available within the aquarium trade have been tank-raised. The Gold king tiger pleco appears as its name describes: a off-white to yellowish colored body decorated in intricate dark lines. Contrary to popular belief, the Gold king tiger pleco has little interest in algae or anything of the sort, requiring a diet that is heavily protein based. This pleco will almost entirely ignore all other fish in the aquarium, with the exception of other bottom-dwelling plecos or catfish species that it could bicker with. Only one Gold king tiger pleco should be kept per aquarium, unless the aquarium is very large and ample refuge places are provided. An adult Gold king tiger pleco can reach a size of approximately 6″.

Diet Requirements: Gold king tiger plecostomus are omnivorous. A diet made up of various high quality frozen foods such as bloodworms or mysis shrimp are ideal in addition to sinking dried foods or gel foods that contain spirulina. Offering blanched pieces of zucchini or squash occasionally can be attempted, but may not be accepted. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Gold king tiger pleco, though a larger tank will be needed as it grows. This species requires relatively clean water that is low in nitrates (< 20 ppm) and highly oxygenated, in addition to more tropical temperatures (78-84° F). It would also prefer more generous water movement, but this is not necessary to keep this species successfully. A Gold king tiger pleco should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, as they are sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. As they obtain size, plecostomus add quite a significant amount of bioload (or biological load, in terms of waste) in your aquarium. Do not become complacent on water changes for this very reason. The aquarium should have a fine to sandy substrate and aquascaped with smooth rocks and other stonework for places to hide. They are indifferent to driftwood as it is not common where it naturally occurs. Many live plants will not thrive in the water conditions a Gold king tiger pleco prefers, but the fish itself will cause no harm to said plants. Recommended water conditions, 78-84° F, KH 6-10, pH 5.5-7.5.

Purchase Size: Small: 2” to 2-1/2”, Medium: 2-3/4” to 3”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.