Sunshine Pleco (L014)

Care at a glance

Overview

A big pleco needing a tank of 400 liters or more with strong current and lots of cover. Feed mainly protein such as frozen prawn, mussel, bloodworms, and sinking carnivore pellets, with some algae wafers and vegetables once it is settled. It can be very territorial and aggressive toward other bottom dwellers, especially without enough hides, so plan tankmates carefully.

In the wild

Comes from warm, clear, fast rocky waters of the Xingu and Iriri, sheltering among boulders and driftwood. It is predominantly a carnivore, taking meaty foods and invertebrates, though conditioned adults will also nibble algae and vegetables. Wants strong flow, oxygen, and a dim tank with many hiding places.

Good to know

Described as Scobinancistrus aureatus, and the aureatus name plus 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.

Did you know

Well-fed adults can glow an intense egg-yolk yellow, and it is one of the few big plecos kept as much for color as for its clean-up work.

Related species

• Leopard Cactus Pleco (L114)

  Pseudacanthicus cf. leopardus

  13.8 in (35 cm)106 gal (400 L)81–88°F (27–31°C)
• Scarlet Cactus Pleco (L025)

  Pseudacanthicus pirarara

  15.7 in (40 cm)119 gal (450 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)
• Vampire Pleco (L029)

  Leporacanthicus galaxias

  9.8 in (25 cm)66 gal (250 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)

• 

  Common pleco

  Hypostomus plecostomus

  15.7 in (40 cm)85 gal (320 L)72–86°F (22–30°C)

• 

  Blue-eyed pleco

  Panaque cochliodon

  11.8 in (30 cm)119 gal (450 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)

• 

  Spotted pleco

  Hypostomus punctatus

  11.8 in (30 cm)79 gal (300 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)