Chaetostoma formosae L187, commonly known as the Golden Vampire Pleco or the L187 Gold Nugget Pleco, is a captivating and sought-after freshwater fish that adds a touch of beauty and elegance to any aquarium. With its stunning golden coloration and unique pattern, Chaetostoma formosae L187 is a popular choice among aquarists who seek an eye-catching and peaceful fish for their tanks. Originating from the upper Orinoco River in Venezuela, these plecos are known for their peaceful nature, algae-eating behavior, and their ability to clean and maintain the aquarium. Let's explore a detailed description of these remarkable plecos, including essential information on their appearance, water conditions, tank setup, feeding habits, and care.

Appearance:

• Striking Coloration: Chaetostoma formosae L187 displays a beautiful golden-yellow body color with intricate black markings on its body, head, and fins, making them visually captivating and elegant in the aquarium.
• Size: They are a medium-sized pleco species, reaching an adult length of around 4.5 to 5.5 inches (11 to 14 centimeters) in captivity.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain a tropical water temperature range of 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) to ensure the well-being of Golden Vampire Plecos.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 to replicate their natural habitat.
• Water Hardness: Provide a moderately soft to moderately hard water with a hardness level between 5 and 15 dGH.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Chaetostoma formosae L187 can be kept in a medium-sized tank of at least 30 gallons (114 liters) due to their medium size.
• Aquascape: Create a well-decorated environment with live plants, driftwood, and rocks to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots.
• Peaceful Tank Mates: They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish species.

Feeding Habit:

• Omnivorous Diet: Chaetostoma formosae L187 is an omnivore and has a varied diet.
• Algae Eaters: They are excellent algae eaters and will help to keep the aquarium clean by grazing on algae-covered surfaces.
• Supplementary Foods: Offer high-quality sinking pellets or wafers suitable for bottom-dwelling fish as their primary diet. Additionally, provide occasional treats of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to supplement their diet.

Care:

• Peaceful Nature: Golden Vampire Plecos are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish species.
• Algae Cleaning: Their algae-eating behavior helps to maintain the cleanliness of the aquarium.
• Observation: Monitor their behavior and appearance to ensure they are healthy and showing no signs of stress or illness.