Gold nugget pleco?

pawsplus · Post by **pawsplus** » 16 Jun 2004, 21:14

Hi, all -- there seems to be disagreement on how big these guys get. I've seen 6" for L18 and up to 14" for some of the other varieties.

Which varieties seem to be in the shops most often? Would L18 be happy in a 20 gal long tank (as the only occupant)?

Thanks --

Elizabeth

patrickstockton · Post by **patrickstockton** » 17 Jun 2004, 06:47

I've heard 14" but some say one of the L#s stays smaller. either way, i'd say the 20 gal is too small for the long run. You'll need to move it when as it gets bigger. But theat should take a while. I hear they are slow growers.

flyinmike · Post by **flyinmike** » 20 Jun 2004, 15:10

I've had my L-177 for about 2 years. He(she?) was approx. 2" - 2.5" TL at time of purchase. He(she?) is probably 4.5" now. The growth rate appears to have slowed down drastically at this point and I would expect max size will probably be around 7". A 20g would be okay for a year maybe but I would suggest a tank with a footprint of at least 36" x 12".

polkadot · Post by **polkadot** » 21 Jun 2004, 08:47

If i'm not wrong the L177 stay the smallest among the "nuggets family"? My L177 is 5" and i dont think it can grow any bigger...

pleco_farmer · Post by **pleco_farmer** » 21 Jun 2004, 13:54

My L-177 have topped out at around 6", and they take their own sweet time getting there.