L 081 Orange fringed catfish - Baryancistrus cf. xanthellus

With its strikingly colored dorsal and caudal fin, the orange fringed catfish is probably one of the prettiest bottom dwellers in the aquarium. Scientifically also called Baryancistrus cf. xanthellus, the orange fringed catfish originates from the Rio Xingu in Brazil and is sometimes also called Golden Nugget or L 081. With their great dot pattern they are a great eye catcher in the aquarium.

The catfishes can be distinguished purely externally difficult in the sex, in general, however, can be stated that the males show broader and longer heads, as well as have broader and longer pectoral fins as well as pectoral fin rays.  In contrast, females usually exhibit rounder bellies, especially at spawning time. With age, the fin fringe becomes somewhat narrower, and in animals that have cracked the 20 year mark, it may even have disappeared altogether.

Because the orange fringed catfish can be quite territorial and territorial, its new home should be sufficiently large . It can grow up to 20 cm long and prefers sufficient hiding places and caves, which you can design with roots, stone structures and other retreats. Place the hiding places in the tank so that the animals do not have to look at each other when they look out of the caves. For the substrate you can use rounded gravel, so that your pets do not hurt themselves.

Baryancistrus xanthellus is an omnivore with emphasis on vegetable food. Therefore you should offer him catfish tablets and catfish chips, but also scalded vegetables or lettuce, because otherwise he may well eat your plants. Pumpkin chips, zucchini or peppers are also suitable, as well as cucumbers. From time to time you can also offer him live and frozen food like mosquito larvae or artemia.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed for all aufwuchs feeding sucking catfish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucking catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As snack, supplementary food or vacation food we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.