L-014 Goldie Pleco (Scobinancistrus aureatus) – Sunshine Pleco (~30 cm / 12″ max)

A stunning armored catfish with a bright golden-yellow body adorned with bold dark spots. Juveniles often have vibrant orange fins and spots, which morph into finer yellow patterns as they mature—making them one of the most visually striking plecos in the hobby.

Natural Habitat:
Native to Brazil’s Xingu River basin, this species thrives in clear, fast-flowing, and well-oxygenated waters, often among submerged rocks and driftwood.

Conservation Status:
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for responsible care and, where possible, aquaculture initiatives.

Care Guidelines

Tank Setup:

• Minimum size: ~75 gallons (~300 L) for a single adult; larger tanks (~125+ gallons) are ideal for groups.

• Decor: Provide ample hiding spaces using driftwood, caves, and rockwork—these plecos enjoy shaded retreats and grazing surfaces.

• Filtration & Flow: Moderate to strong filtration and current are essential to mimic their natural riverine environment and maintain high oxygen levels.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Diet:
Omnivorous with a carnivorous leaning—favoring sinking vegetarian wafers. Supplement with bloodworms, shrimp, algae wafers, and fresh veggies like zucchini or spirulina.

Behavior & Tankmates:

• Generally peaceful and primarily nocturnal, becoming more active at night. Territorial disputes can arise if overcrowded or insufficient hiding spaces are present.

• Compatible with larger, peaceful tankmates—avoid aggressive bottom-dwellers or other plecos unless the aquarium is spacious.

Lifespan:
Expect a long-lived companion—typically up to 10–15 years when well cared for.

Breeding:
Potential cave spawners. Successful breeding may require large, well-structured tanks, stable conditions, and protein-rich feeding to encourage spawning.