Common Name: L14 Sunshine Pleco
Scientific Name: Scobinancistrus aureatus “São Félix”
Other Names: Golden Pleco, Sunshine Gold Pleco
The L14 Sunshine Pleco is a visually striking pleco species known for its bright golden-yellow coloration with contrasting dark spots and markings. This species is highly sought after by pleco enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and relatively manageable size compared to larger plecos. It has a broad head, a powerful sucker mouth for adhering to surfaces, and a robust body structure. Unlike some other plecos, it is more carnivorous in its dietary preferences.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to Brazil, Scobinancistrus aureatus is found in the lower Xingu River and its tributaries, including areas near São Félix do Xingu. It inhabits fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters with rocky substrates, where it seeks shelter among crevices and submerged driftwood. The natural environment consists of warm, soft to moderately hard water with moderate currents.
Size and Lifespan:
This species grows to about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in captivity. With proper care, they can live for 12-15 years.
Diet and Behavior:
The Sunshine Pleco is an omnivore with a strong preference for protein-rich foods. In the wild, it feeds on small invertebrates, biofilm, and detritus. In captivity, its diet should include high-quality carnivorous sinking pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, chopped raw tilapia, and occasional vegetable matter like zucchini or algae wafers. It is a territorial bottom-dweller that requires hiding places but is generally peaceful toward similarly sized fish.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Scobinancistrus aureatus in captivity is rare and difficult. In the wild, they are believed to be cave spawners, with males guarding the eggs until they hatch. Successful breeding requires well-structured caves, strong water flow, and precise water parameters. Most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 75 gallons is required for a single adult, with a larger tank (100+ gallons) preferred for long-term care. Their ideal tank setup includes a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate, large driftwood and rock formations to create hiding spots, powerful filtration to maintain excellent water quality, moderate to strong water flow to mimic river conditions, and subdued lighting to prevent stress.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The Sunshine Pleco is generally peaceful but territorial toward other bottom dwellers. Suitable tank mates include Severums, Geophagus Cichlids, Angelfish, Silver Dollars, Larger Tetras, and other similarly sized South American species. Avoid keeping multiple plecos together unless the tank is large enough to establish separate territories.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. They require a high-protein diet, stable water parameters, and a well-structured tank environment.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 78-86°F (26-30°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- This species benefits from caves and shaded areas, which help reduce stress.
- It is more carnivorous than many other plecos, so a diet with sufficient protein is essential for health.
- Due to its territorial nature, it is best kept as the only pleco in the tank unless a very large aquarium is provided.
The L14 Sunshine Pleco is a stunning and rewarding species for experienced aquarists looking to add a vibrant and active bottom-dweller to their tank. With proper care, it can thrive and display its striking golden coloration for many years.
