Zebra or Gold nugget?

HI everyone. I am about to start a new 39G tank and would like a decent-sized algae eater (well, bigger than otos). I am not too keen on Bristlenoses (don't like their look too much), but looove zebras and golden nuggets. Particularly partial to zebras actually. I saw some affordable ones at my LFS and now my question is: which would you recommend?

I am particularly interetested in your experiences on the following criteria for each of these pleco types:
- max adult size (must stay as small as possible),
- waste production
- territoriality (non aggressive fish preferred)
- hardiness (the hardier the better)

If you can think of another type of pleco, do let me know too so I can consider it in my hunt for the perfect algae eater.

In an ideal world I'd have a golden nugget + a zebra, but am guessing that's too much to be sharing with 8 or 9 mollies in a 39G.

 

OK, more food for thoughts on the zebra vs. golden debate. I've read that the golden nugget pleco was very sensitive to changes in water condition, and not such a great tank cleaner. They also seem to be jumpers (and good candidates for DBF). So I think I am eliminating the golden pleco from my search. Any other suggestions?

Oh, and another criteria: a diurnal fish would be nicer than nocturnal.

Oh dear. Looks like the zebra is not such a good algae eater either, and is in general very shy. Apparently, it's more of a carnivorous fish than an algae eater.

 

Know anywhere I can see a pic of it?

 

Zebras: removed

Golden nuggets: removed

They both look gorgeous. Just saw both at one of my LFS and I was so tempted.

 

The zebra DEFINITELY!! Wow!! I wonder if you get here. How much can you get it for by you? how big does it grow

 

It's gorgeous, isn't it? But I was looking for an algae eater, so it really doesn't fit the bill as far as that's concerned. It's too pretty, though, and as my LFS sells them, I am really tempted. My LFS have been really hopeless at getting anything, so if they get it, you should be able to find them too.

I don't think they grow that large. I think max 7cm if I remember well. The other disadvantage of both these plecos is that they both hide a lot.

 

Zebras are definitely my choice but true zebras (L46) are a little pricey for me. planet catfish is a great place to find info on just about any pleco or catfish you want. Here are some more pics for you

Carol

 

There's a really cool website for zebras: . They weren't too pricey at our store. I think 40 or 50 dollars. As we'd only get one, it wouldn't break the bank. Of course, the bugger had better stay alive and all that!

 

Most places we see them they are $100 or more usually much more that's why I said make sure they are real zebras if that is what you are wanting. there are some that look similiar and are more reasonably priced(less than $100)
Carol

 

I wouldnt' know a real zebra if it bit me in the nose am sure. I'll go for the pretty ones I saw I think, and delude myself. When I have it (will be a few weeks yet), I'll post you a pic, then you can tell me your verdict.

 

Doesn't matter, as long as you like it. I think the big draw on the zebra (L46) is its size and scaricity in the wild.
Carol

 

Yeah, they'd better not sell me one that gets huge.

 

Will they let you take pics? Some places will
Carol

 

Oh, that's a good idea. Am sure they would. They've been really nice.

 

I would have to say zebra.
Tom

 

You are right that the Gold Nugget is very sensative to water quality and does not do well in unstable water situations. I would love a Zebra myself but it seems they really are shy and need hiding places which from what I read they rarely make themselves visible in daylight.

 

On whatever catfish site I'd read, they advise you to get a hiding place with a whole facing outwards, so you can still see them.

 

Zebra pleco...if can get your hands on a cheap on, I'd do it. We had the chance to get one little tiny one for $100, but it was too tiny to justify spending $100 on a TINY fish. I much regret not getting it now. We would have had it for a year now if we had.

 

Hi!

Gold nuggets grow to 35cm long! That ain't small. And, Zebras need an environment similar to that of a MalawI cichlid. I'd go for either the Flash or Clown pleco.

 

Well, the pleco i'm going to go with actually looks a little similar to a zebra, for a lot less money, and it's definitely an algae eater... check it out:

 

Hi!

My friend hjad a pair of those once. Great algae-eaters I must say!

 

Hi!

Gold nuggets grow to 35cm long! That ain't small. And, Zebras need an environment similar to that of a MalawI cichlid. I'd go for either the Flash or Clown pleco.

You are taking about the L018. You are right they grow huuge. The L081 grows to 18com/7in also on the big side but not that big. If i'm not mistaken I think there's a 3rd gold nugget....

 

Hi!

Oh that one... Yeah - there's a 3rd GN. I can never find the other GN though - can we just use the L'nos?

 

I'd go for either the Flash or Clown pleco.

I'd second the comment on the clown. They don't get big and they don't bother other fish that I have ever seen. They do seem territorial in that they will defend their hiding spot from other fish, but I have three that have enough space in a 55 gallon to avoid conflict. At least one of then even eats black beard algae.

The only downside is that they are reclusive and nocturnal and I seldom see them.

And they're not excessively expensive around here.

-hank

 

I'd have to go with the Zebra, since their natural habitat (along with many, many other species) is slated to be wiped out.