Mango Pleco (L047)

The mango pleco is a Baryancistrus recognized by its dark body and the broad gold to orange margins on its fins. The "chrysolomus" in its name also means "golden-edged". It was sold for a long time under the number L047 and was described in 2011 together with the gold nugget pleco.

It is known only from the Xingu basin, in the Volta Grande stretch above the Belo Monte falls, and from the Iriri basin. Adults reach 22 cm standard length and 25–28 cm including the tail.

• A footprint of 120 × 45 cm (about 300 liters) for one adult.
• Strong flow and aeration; flat stones and spacious caves.
• 27–29°C, a 30–40% water change every week.

Mainly herbivorous; in the wild it grazes the algae and biofilm on rocks. Make spirulina and algae-based tablets and blanched vegetables the staple; protein-rich food can be added 1–2 times a week.

Usually calm toward other species, but territorial toward its own kind and other plecos.

Good companions: Medium-sized fish that like warm, flowing water: large tetras, Geophagus species.

Avoid: Other Baryancistrus species (in limited space), plecos of similar size, small aquariums.