Breeding Scobinancistrus aureatus (L014)

Breeding guide for the Sunshine Pleco Scobinancistrus aureatus (L014): a large Xingu cave spawner bred at warm, oxygen-rich, low-nitrogen conditions with the male tending the eggs.

Overview

Scobinancistrus aureatus, the Sunshine Pleco (L014), is a large loricariid from the Rio Xingu in Brazil. It is a cave spawner with paternal care and has been bred in captivity; AMAZONAS Magazine documents a successful breeding in which both male and female could disappear completely into the cave to spawn.

Conditioning

In the documented breeding, adults were fed once daily shortly before nightfall on algae wafers, high-protein pellets, boiled snails and weekly squash. Regular feeding at the same time each day appeared to be important to bring fish into condition (AMAZONAS Magazine).

Breeding Setup

Rectangular ceramic breeding tubes of roughly 38 x 10 x 8 cm with a roughened inner surface were used, the texture helping to keep eggs from being fanned out. Low nitrogen content and a high oxygen level combined with relatively high temperature were cited as prerequisites for success, and 50 percent of the water was changed several times weekly (AMAZONAS Magazine).

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Spawning took place inside the cave at about 28 C (82.5 F), pH 7.5 and around 4 dGH, with the pair entering the tube together. As in other cave-spawning loricariids the male takes charge of the clutch.

Egg & Fry Care

The species is reported to lay roughly 150 yellow-orange eggs, with the male caring for the eggs and developing fry. Maintaining the same clean, warm, oxygen-rich, low-nitrogen water during incubation is the key to raising the brood.

Common Challenges

This is a very large fish requiring a spacious tank, strong filtration and high oxygen. Achieving and sustaining low-nitrogen, well-oxygenated, warm water and providing suitable smooth-bore caves are the main practical obstacles.