☀️ Sunshine Pleco (Scobinancistrus aureatus, L014)
☀️ Sunshine Pleco (Scobinancistrus aureatus, L014)
Golden • Protein Eater • Showpiece
📋 The Sunshine Pleco (Scobinancistrus aureatus L014) is one of the most dazzling plecos in the hobby, named for its brilliant golden-yellow body with black spotting. This makes it one of the most eye-catching showpiece plecos available.
Sunshine Plecos grow to 12–14 inches, making them suitable only for large aquariums with strong filtration. They are omnivorous, but thrive on a protein-rich diet, unlike many other plecos that rely heavily on algae.
Territorial with other plecos, but peaceful toward most tank mates, the Sunshine Pleco is a collector’s dream fish that adds brilliant color to freshwater displays.
💡 Highlights
☀️ Golden Body – Bright yellow with black spots
🍖 Protein-Rich Diet – Prefers meaty foods
🐟 Showpiece Fish – Striking collector’s pleco
⚠️ Territorial – Especially with other plecos
✅ Long-Lived – Can thrive for 10–15 years
🧾 A Quick Look at the Sunshine Pleco (L014)
📛 Common Name: Sunshine Pleco, Golden Pleco
🔬 Scientific Name: Scobinancistrus aureatus (L014)
👨👩👧 Family: Loricariidae
🌍 Origin: Brazil – Rio Xingu
📏 Max Size: 30 – 35 cm (12 – 14 inches)
💧 pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
🌡️ Temperature Range: 25 – 30°C (77 – 86°F)
🧠 Care Level: Advanced
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial with plecos
🪸 Reef Safe: ❌ Freshwater species only
🏠 Min Tank Size: 400 L (100+ US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – prefers meaty sinking foods
🐣 Reproduction: Rare in aquariums
