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
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Loricariidae
- Origin
- Rio Xingu and Rio Iriri in Para, Brazil.
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.
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.
How big does a Sunshine pleco (L014) get?
An adult Sunshine pleco (L014) reaches about 13.8 in (35 cm).
Related species
6.3 in (16 cm)79 gal (300 L)81–88°F (27–31°C)Opal spot pleco
Scobinancistrus raonii
6.3 in (16 cm) · 79 gal (300 L)
13.8 in (35 cm)106 gal (400 L)81–88°F (27–31°C)Leopard cactus pleco (L114)
Pseudacanthicus cf. leopardus
13.8 in (35 cm) · 106 gal (400 L)
15.7 in (40 cm)119 gal (450 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)Scarlet cactus pleco (L025)
Pseudacanthicus pirarara
15.7 in (40 cm) · 119 gal (450 L)
9.8 in (25 cm)66 gal (250 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)Vampire pleco (L029)
Leporacanthicus galaxias
9.8 in (25 cm) · 66 gal (250 L)
13.8 in (35 cm)106 gal (400 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Caquetá whiptail
Spatuloricaria caquetae
13.8 in (35 cm) · 106 gal (400 L)
13.8 in (35 cm)106 gal (400 L)64–79°F (18–26°C)Golden hypostomus
Hypostomus luteus
13.8 in (35 cm) · 106 gal (400 L)