Baryancistrus xanthellus is a species of armored catfish endemic to Brazil. It is a benthic fresh water fish that lives in Rio Xingu in the Amazon system. It reaches a length of 22.4 centimetres (8.8 in) SL.There are larger species that occasionally enter the hobby as well. There are at least three types of Gold Nuggets in the aquarium trade; L-018 (also known as L-085), L-081 and L-177. These are separate species, or subspecies of several species, as determined by several ichthyologists. The Golden nuggets are described with L-numbers in wait of a proper scientific classification.