Sunshine pleco (Scobinancistrus aureatus) care guide

Group

Freshwater fish

Other names

L014, Sunshine pleco, Goldie pleco, Sunshine plec

Family

Loricariidae (suckermouth armoured catfishes)

Origin

Brazil: the Rio Xingu basin in Pará, a tributary of the lower Amazon. Described from Ilha da Fazenda on the Xingu.

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

25 cm

Temperature

25–29°C

pH

5.8–7.2

Hardness

3–18 dGH (estimated)

Minimum tank

300 litres

Care level

intermediate

Temperament

peaceful

Care

The sunshine pleco (L014) is one of the larger and best-known Xingu plecos, and one of the larger plecos regularly imported. Young fish are the most striking, with bright yellow-gold spots and fin edges on a dark body; adults keep the pattern but it becomes less vivid with age. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of about 25 cm standard length, so plan for a big fish. No source we read gives a minimum tank size; based on its adult length we suggest around 300 litres with a base of at least 150 × 50 cm as an estimate, and more if you keep it with other large plecos. The water should be clean, clear, warm and very well oxygenated, ideally with a noticeable current, as you would expect for a fish from the fast-flowing Xingu. PlanetCatfish lists 25–29 °C and pH 5.8–7.2. Use sand or small rounded gravel with groups of smooth rocks, and provide several caves and feeding spots if other plecos of similar size share the tank. Plants are not needed and are best kept to a minimum. Males grow larger than females, with a blockier head when seen from above (females have a more triangular head) and a bristly look from odontodes on the body and the leading pectoral fin rays. Females are wider across the middle. The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable (assessed 2018), largely because of habitat change in the Xingu, including the Belo Monte dam. Captive breeding has been achieved, so ask the seller whether fish are wild-caught or captive-bred. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=161). FishBase could not be read at the time of checking. Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivore that leans towards meaty food. Offer good sinking pellets or wafers as the staple, with frozen bloodworm, and for larger fish whole prawns and mussel. Add vegetable matter such as pumpkin now and then. Make sure food reaches the bottom where it lives.

Breeding

Breeding has been reported in captivity (PlanetCatfish lists it as bred, though without a detailed report). Like its relatives it is expected to be a cave spawner, with the male guarding the eggs and young in a cave. Mature, well-fed adults, a large tank, strong flow and warm, very clean water give the best chance.

Compatibility and tank mates

A robust fish that fits most community set-ups for large, warm-water fish; its high temperature needs are the main limit on tankmates. Good companions include discus, angelfish and other South American cichlids, and rainbowfish. It can be territorial towards other plecos of a similar size, so give each its own caves and feeding spots.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.