Sunshine Pleco (L014) Care Guide
Scobinancistrus aureatus (L014, Sunshine Pleco) is a large Xingu loricariid with yellow spotting; a carnivore-leaning pleco needing warm, oxygen-rich water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Scobinancistrus aureatus, the Sunshine or Goldie Pleco (L-number L014), is a large suckermouth catfish described by Burgess in 1994. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 29 cm. It is a striking dark pleco marked with bright yellow spots and fin tips.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Scobinancistrus
- Scientific name: Scobinancistrus aureatus
- L-number: L014
Habitat
Wikipedia and FishBase report the species as endemic to the Xingu River basin in Brazil, a clear, fast-flowing tropical drainage. PlanetCatfish notes that high oxygen levels considerably improve the fish's wellbeing.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Provide driftwood, caves and clean, well-oxygenated water
Diet
Carnivore-leaning. PlanetCatfish reports that it eats most foods offered; juveniles are grown on with bloodworm, while adults relish prawns and mussels in addition to a staple of sinking catfish tablets.
Compatibility
A large, primarily nocturnal bottom-dweller. It can be territorial toward other plecos, so it is best given ample space, caves and a high-flow, oxygen-rich setup.
Breeding
A cave-spawner; breeding is considered advanced and is rarely achieved in the aquarium.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (assessed 2018), reflecting pressure on its restricted Xingu range.
Breeding Scobinancistrus aureatus (L014)
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.