Common Name: L253 Black Royal Goldie Pleco
Scientific Name: Scobinancistrus sp.
Other Names: Black Royal Goldie, L253 Pleco, High-Contrast Goldie Pleco
The L253 Black Royal Goldie Pleco is a stunning and rare pleco species known for its deep black body adorned with golden-yellow spots and markings. It has a robust, thick-bodied structure similar to other Scobinancistrus species, with a powerful sucker mouth designed for grazing on submerged surfaces. This species is highly sought after due to its striking coloration, carnivorous diet, and rarity in the aquarium trade.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to Brazil, the L253 Pleco is believed to originate from the Rio Xingu and its tributaries. It inhabits fast-flowing, well-oxygenated waters with rocky substrates, where it hides in crevices and feeds on small invertebrates, biofilm, and detritus. These waters are warm, clear, and rich in dissolved oxygen, making proper filtration and aeration essential in captivity.
Size and Lifespan:
This species can reach about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm). With excellent care, it can live for 12-15 years.
Diet and Behavior:
Unlike many plecos that rely heavily on algae, the L253 Black Royal Goldie Pleco is more carnivorous. In the wild, it feeds on small invertebrates, biofilm, and detritus. In captivity, it should be provided with a diet of high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, and chopped raw tilapia, and occasional plant-based foods like spirulina wafers and blanched vegetables. It is generally peaceful but can be territorial with other plecos, especially in confined spaces.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Scobinancistrus species in captivity is extremely rare. They are believed to be cave spawners, with males guarding the eggs inside rock crevices. To encourage breeding, a large, well-structured aquarium with numerous caves, stable water parameters, and high-protein feeding is required. Most individuals available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 100 gallons is required for a single adult, with a larger tank (125+ gallons) preferred for long-term care. Their ideal tank setup includes a soft sand or fine gravel substrate, multiple rock caves and driftwood for shelter, strong filtration with high oxygenation, moderate to strong water flow to replicate river conditions, and subdued lighting to enhance their coloration.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The L253 Pleco is 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 them with highly aggressive or overly territorial plecos unless the tank is large enough to establish separate territories.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. They require excellent water quality, high oxygen levels, and a well-balanced diet to thrive.
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 requires high oxygen levels, making strong filtration and aeration essential.
- Due to its carnivorous nature, a diet with sufficient protein is critical for long-term health.
- Their bold coloration is best displayed under subdued lighting with a dark substrate.
The L253 Black Royal Goldie Pleco is a magnificent and highly desirable pleco species, best suited for experienced aquarists looking to keep a rare and visually stunning bottom dweller. With the right care, it can be a long-lived and rewarding addition to large aquariums.
