{"product_id":"l253-black-royal-goldie-pleco","title":"L253 Black Royal Goldie Pleco","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Royal Goldie Pleco (L253)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Black Royal Goldie Pleco is a rare and eye-catching pleco known for its deep black body and bold golden striping. As they mature, the contrast between the dark body and gold markings becomes even more impressive, making them a true centerpiece fish in larger aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDespite their striking appearance, they are generally peaceful and spend most of their time resting on wood, grazing, or slowly exploring the tank.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMax Size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsually around 10–12 inches in captivity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum: 75 gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended: 100+ gallons for adults\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey appreciate tanks with:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge pieces of driftwood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaves and hiding spots\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrong filtration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModerate water flow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful and adaptable with a wide range of larger community fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood tank mates include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeophagus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeverums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger tetras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful catfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther larger fish with similar water requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey can also do well with more aggressive cichlids as long as:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tank has enough space\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are plenty of hiding spots\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe pleco is consistently getting enough food\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrimarily herbivorous with some omnivorous tendencies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood foods include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlgae wafers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuality sinking pellets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZucchini\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCucumber\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpinach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional cut shrimp or protein foods in moderation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDriftwood is important since they naturally rasp on wood and surfaces throughout the day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e👉 A balanced diet helps maintain healthy growth and strong coloration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare \u0026amp; Behavior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese plecos are usually calm and become more active during the evening. They enjoy dimmer lighting and areas where they can retreat during the day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey do best in:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClean, oxygen-rich water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStable temperatures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTanks with plenty of wood and cover\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWell-maintained aquariums with low waste buildup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce settled in, they are hardy and relatively easy to care for in properly sized systems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy We Like Them\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncredible black and gold coloration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnique striped pattern\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful temperament\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreat centerpiece pleco\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLooks amazing in natural driftwood setups\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⚠️ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeeds driftwood in the aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRequires strong filtration and regular maintenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan become territorial with other plecos in smaller tanks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest suited for medium to large aquariums long term\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"8 - 9 inches","offer_id":46139829223620,"sku":null,"price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0563\/5286\/6500\/files\/BBE04FE4-AA19-48A2-ADE6-B187AE3562EC.png?v=1778536397","url":"https:\/\/www.predatoryfins.com\/products\/l253-black-royal-goldie-pleco","provider":"Predatory Fins","version":"1.0","type":"link"}