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Scientific Name Scobinancistrus aureatus  Burgess, 1994
Common Names L014, Sunshine Pleco
Goldie Pleco, Solskinssugemalle (Denmark)
Type Locality Ilha da Fazenda, Rio Xingú, Estado Pará, Brazil.
Pronunciation aw RE at us
Etymology (Latin)Scobis=Sawdust + (Greek)agkistron=hook. aureatus = golden; alluding to the golden finnage.
Hop to next section Species Information
Size 250mm or 9.8" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification Striking sub-adult colouration which diminishes in adults which are still quite distinctive. Commonly known as the Goldie or Sunshine pleco, this ultimately larger fish is a frequent import.
Sexing Males grow larger than females. Males develop a more ''bristled'' appearance that, in certain light, can shine from the light being reflected off the fish. The leading edge of the leading pectoral fin ray also becomes slightly spiny in mature males. Head shape, when view from above is blockier in males and more triangular in females. Females are wider across the midriff.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution South America: Xingu River basin, Brazil.
Amazon, Lower Amazon, Xingu (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Vulnerable, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2018.
pH 5.8 - 7.2
Temperature 25.0-29.0°C or 77-84.2°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters Clean, clear, highly oxygenated, preferably with a noticeable current although this is not vital.
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Feeding Sinking pellets and frozen bloodworm are ideal although all prepared foods that reach the bottom are accepted. Larger individuals will tackle whole king prawns and mussels with relish. Will eat garden snails and the first breeder of this genus feed their fishes meat and veg in the form of pumpkin. An omnivore that will eat most things and shares with the wood-eating plecos the unusual habit of eating the skin of vegetables before the flesh. User data.
Furniture Sandy or small pea-shaped gravel with groups of rounded stones and few or no plants best reproduces this fishes natural habitat. If keeping with similarly sized plecos, arrange the aquarium to ensure there are plenty of hiding places and multiple feeding areas to diffuse feeding time ''focus''.
Compatibility A robust pleco suited for most environments, the only catch being the heat.
Suggested Tankmates Suitable as a discus or angelfish tank pleco. Also OK with South American cichlids - a good way to brighten up any oscar tank - but might not do well with Central American cichlids due to their slightly lower temperature requirements. Perfect with rainbowfish if you don't mind breaking the biotope mould.
Breeding Has been bred in captivity.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
Reference Tropical Fish Hobbyist v. 43 (no. 1), pp 237, Figs. 1-6 (unnumbered).
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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Last Update 2020 Nov 08 05:17 (species record created: 2001 Apr 29 00:00)