Sunshine pleco (L014)
Scobinancistrus aureatus
Also known as L014, Goldie Pleco, Sunshine Plec, Goldy Pleco
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 79–86°F
- 26–30°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 13.8 in
- 35 cm
- Minimum tank
- 106 gal
- 400 L
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Loricariidae
- Origin
- Rio Xingu and Rio Iriri in Para, Brazil.
Overview
The sunshine pleco (L014) is a big, territorial pleco for a large tank with fast water. It suits experienced keepers.
Did you know
Well-fed adult sunshine plecos can glow an intense egg-yolk yellow. This is one of the few big plecos kept as much for its color as for its cleanup work.
Caring for the sunshine pleco (L014)
Give a sunshine pleco (L014) a tank of at least 106 gal (400 L), with strong current and plenty of oxygen. Keep the tank dim, with lots of cover and many hiding places. Hold the water at 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Feed it mainly protein, such as frozen prawn, mussel, bloodworms and sinking carnivore pellets. Once it is settled, add some algae wafers and vegetables.
The sunshine pleco is solitary and can be very territorial and aggressive toward other bottom dwellers, especially without enough hides. Plan its tank mates carefully. Breeding it is hard.
Good to know
The sunshine pleco (L014) was described as Scobinancistrus aureatus, in the family Loricariidae. The aureatus name and the goldie and sunshine trade names all point to the bright yellow-gold spotting adults can develop on a dark body. It is a large, boldly marked member of a mainly carnivorous genus. Color intensity varies with mood, diet and locality.
In the wild
The sunshine pleco (L014) comes from warm, clear, fast rocky waters of the Rio Xingu and Rio Iriri in Para, Brazil. It shelters among boulders and driftwood there. It is predominantly a carnivore, taking invertebrates and other meaty food.
Common questions
What size tank does a sunshine pleco (L014) need?
A sunshine pleco (L014) needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a sunshine pleco (L014) need?
A sunshine pleco (L014) is comfortable at 79–86°F (26–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a sunshine pleco (L014) eat?
A sunshine pleco (L014) eats mainly protein, such as frozen prawn, mussel, bloodworms and sinking carnivore pellets. Once it is settled, it also takes some algae wafers and vegetables.
How big does a sunshine pleco (L014) get?
An adult sunshine pleco (L014) reaches about 13.8 in (35 cm).
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