Baryancistrus


Baryancistrus is a genus of freshwater Loricariid catfish. They inhabit flowing sections of rivers, especially clearwater, in the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco in Brazil and Venezuela. The largest species reach up to in total length.
Most Baryancistrus are differentiated from other related genera by a membrane connecting their dorsal fin and adipose fin, not present in most other genera.
The species of this genus are mainly herbivores and detritivores, but may take other foods too. Most have probably not been bred in captivity. It is difficult to sex these fish, including adult specimen. These fish are mainly nocturnal, but will also emerge from their hiding places during the day, after some time getting accustomed to the aquarium. They will benefit from plenty of hiding places.

Species

There are currently six recognized species in this genus:
Though there are many types of fish described as Baryancistrus, there are many that yet to be given a true scientific designation, and are only referred to under the L-number system, including the Gold Nuggets. Here is a list of Baryancistrus by L-number designation. The common name and scientific name are included when available, though some of these fish are only commonly referred to by their L-number. For those fish without a scientific name, they are assumed to be Baryancistrus sp.
L-number or LDACommon nameScientific name
L003Kieser pleco
L018, L085Gold Nugget plecoBaryancistrus xanthellus
L019
L026Baryancistrus niveatus
L047Magnum pleco, Mango plecoBaryancistrus chrysolomus
L057
L081Gold Nugget plecoBaryancistrus xanthellus
L084
L115, L248Mega snowball pleco
L142, LDA33Big White Spot pleco
L177Iriri Gold Nugget plecoBaryancistrus xanthellus
L200*Baryancistrus demantoides
L219
L274
L239Blue PanaqueBaryancistrus beggini
L319
L323
L324
L364
L384
LDA60gold nuggetBaryancistrus xanthellus

* Note: L200 is also used to refer to Hemiancistrus subviridis, another Loricariid that is very similar in appearance.