Gold Sucking Catfish

Name: Gold Sucking Catfish
Brand: Apex Aquatic
Price: 10.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$10.00

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Every fish passes through our dedicated quarantine system and strict biosecurity monitoring before sale - so it arrives healthy, settled and ready to thrive. How we quarantine →

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Description

About Gold Sucking Catfish

The Gold Sucking Catfish, commonly sold as a Gold Bristlenose Pleco, is a hardy and attractive freshwater catfish known for its golden-yellow colouration and distinctive sucker mouth. It is an excellent algae grazer and bottom-dwelling addition to planted community aquariums.

Gold Sucking Catfish spend much of their time attached to aquarium glass, rocks, driftwood, and other surfaces, using their sucker mouth to graze on algae and biofilm. They are particularly active after lights out and appreciate plenty of driftwood, caves, and shaded areas where they can rest during the day.

They are peaceful community fish and generally get along well with Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Rainbowfish, Gouramis, and other peaceful aquarium species. Their ability to graze surfaces makes them a useful addition to a community aquarium, although they should not be relied upon as the sole source of algae control.

A varied diet of algae wafers, sinking vegetable-based foods, blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and other suitable foods is important, particularly in mature aquariums where natural algae may be limited. Driftwood should also be available as part of their natural grazing environment.

Hardy, peaceful, and fascinating to watch, the Gold Sucking Catfish is an excellent choice for planted community aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp.
Common Name: Gold Sucking Catfish / Gold Bristlenose Pleco
Origin: South America
Adult Size: Approximately 10–15 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Herbivore / Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 80 Litres
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.8
Water Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Difficulty: Beginner
Lifespan: 5–8+ Years
Suitable For: Planted aquariums, community tanks, tropical freshwater aquariums, and algae-control setups

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Gold Sucking Catfish good algae eaters?

Yes. They are effective grazers of soft algae and biofilm, particularly on glass, rocks, driftwood, and aquarium surfaces. However, they still require supplemental feeding.

Do Gold Sucking Catfish need driftwood?

Yes. Driftwood is highly recommended. It provides grazing surfaces, shelter, and an important part of their natural environment.

What do Gold Sucking Catfish eat?

They enjoy algae wafers, sinking vegetable-based foods, blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and other plant-based foods. They will also graze naturally on algae and biofilm.

Can Gold Sucking Catfish live with other fish?

Yes. They are peaceful and make excellent community fish. Avoid aggressive or highly territorial species that may harass them.

Can Gold Sucking Catfish be kept with shrimp?

Yes. They are generally peaceful towards adult shrimp and can coexist successfully in shrimp and community aquariums. Dense plants and hardscape provide additional shelter for shrimplets.

Common Mistakes

Assuming they can live on algae alone
Aquariums often don't produce enough natural algae to sustain a Bristlenose. Provide regular supplemental feeding.

Not providing driftwood
Driftwood provides important grazing surfaces and environmental enrichment.

Keeping them in a bare aquarium
Caves, wood, plants, and shaded areas allow them to display natural behaviour and feel secure.

Overlooking their adult size
Although sold small, Gold Sucking Catfish can reach around 10–15 cm and need adequate swimming and hiding space as they mature.

Overfeeding
Uneaten vegetables and sinking foods can quickly degrade water quality. Remove uneaten food regularly.

Shipping & delivery

This product is for in-store purchase only. Available for in-store pickup.

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Returns

We stand behind everything we sell. If something is not right, get in touch and we will make it right. See our returns policy for the details.

Care & quarantine

This fish has been through our dedicated quarantine system and is feeding, settled and health-checked before sale. We still recommend acclimating slowly and quarantining new additions at home. Our team is happy to talk you through the right setup - just ask.

How we quarantine →