Baryancistrus is a genus of freshwater ray-finned fishes belonging to the family Loricariidae, the suckermouth armoured catfishes, and the subfamily Hypostominae, the suckermouth catfishes. They inhabit flowing sections of rivers, especially clearwater, in the basins of the Amazon (notably Trombetas, Tapajós, Xingu and Tocantins) and Orinoco (notably Ventuari) 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 in an aquarium setting. Most have probably not been bred in captivity. It is difficult to sex these fish, including adult specimens. These fish are mainly nocturnal, but will also emerge from their hiding places during the day, after some time getting accustomed to the aquarium. Adequate hiding places are recommended for these fish due to their primary nocturnal nature.
Species Baryancistrus contains the following valid species:
List of Baryancistrus sp. L-numbers 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(s) or LDA Common name(s) Scientific name L003 Kieser pleco L018, L085 Gold Nugget pleco Baryancistrus xanthellus L019 L026 Baryancistrus niveatus L047 Magnum pleco, Mango pleco Baryancistrus chrysolomus L057 L081 Gold Nugget pleco Baryancistrus xanthellus L084 L115, L248 Mega snowball pleco L142, LDA33 Big White Spot pleco L177 Iriri Gold Nugget pleco Baryancistrus xanthellus L200* Baryancistrus demantoides L219 L274 L239 Blue Panaque Baryancistrus beggini L319 L323 L324 L364 L384 LDA60 gold nugget Baryancistrus xanthellus
* Note: L200 is also used to refer to Hemiancistrus subviridis, another Loricariid that is very similar in appearance to B. demantoides.
See also List of freshwater aquarium fish species
References