Scobinancistrus Aureatus L014/Iriri

☀️ Scobinancistrus aureatus – L014 Sunshine Pleco Care Guide

The Sunshine Pleco (Scobinancistrus aureatus), also referred to as L014 or the Golden Iriri Pleco, is one of the most visually striking plecos available in the aquarium trade. Originating from the Rio Xingu and Rio Iriri in Brazil, this large, armored catfish features brilliant yellow-orange spotting and thick, sturdy fins. It’s a favorite for both collectors and large display aquariums due to its vibrant appearance and manageable temperament.

🐟 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Scobinancistrus aureatus

• Common Names: Sunshine Pleco, Golden Iriri Pleco

• L-Number: L014

• Origin: Rio Xingu & Rio Iriri, Brazil

• Adult Size: Typically 10–12 inches (25–30 cm); up to 14 inches in rare cases

• Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care

• Temperament: Generally peaceful; may defend territory from similar species

• Activity Level: Mostly nocturnal but becomes bold in stable environments

🏡 Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (380 liters) for a single adult

• Tank Shape: Long and wide tanks with significant floor space

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel

• Décor:

  • Multiple rock caves and driftwood for cover

  • Open swimming areas and crevices for retreat

• Lighting: Moderate; fish color appears brightest under natural-spectrum lighting

• Water Movement: Moderate to strong flow simulating riverine current

• Filtration: Robust biological and mechanical filtration is critical due to the pleco’s size and protein-rich diet

💡 These plecos thrive when provided with strong current, oxygen-rich water, and consistent cleanliness.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 79–88°F (26–31°C)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.4

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5–15 dGH)

• TDS: 100–300 ppm

• Water Changes: 30–50% weekly depending on bioload

🔁 Maintain stability — fluctuations in parameters can affect immune health and coloration.

🍽️ Diet & Nutrition

Though often mistaken as algae-eaters, Scobinancistrus aureatus are omnivorous with a carnivore bias. They consume meaty foods and will accept sinking pellets or wafers designed for carnivorous bottom-feeders.

• Staple Foods:

  • High-quality sinking carnivore pellets

  • Protein-rich pleco wafers

• Supplemental Foods:

  • Fresh or frozen bloodworms, krill, mussels, and shrimp

• Vegetable Matter (limited):

  • Zucchini, cucumber, spinach (occasional treat)

• Feeding Schedule: Once to twice daily, ideally after dark or during low light hours

💡 This species does not graze on algae as a primary food source — avoid underfeeding due to this misconception.

🤝 Compatibility & Tankmates

• Ideal Tankmates:

  • Peaceful to semi-aggressive species that share similar water preferences

  • South American cichlids (e.g., Severum, Geophagus), Silver Dollars, large tetras

• Avoid:

  • Other large bottom dwellers like Panaque, Pseudacanthicus, or similar Scobinancistrus unless tank is very large

  • Small, delicate fish or shrimp — may be harassed or outcompeted

💡 Provide visual barriers between territories when keeping multiple plecos.

🐣 Breeding Behavior

Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and usually occurs in large systems with professional-level setups.

• Spawning Type: Cave spawner

• Male Behavior: Males become territorial and guard eggs laid by the female

• Triggering Conditions: Simulating dry and wet seasons via temperature and water level changes

• Fry Care: Once hatched, feed finely crushed high-protein food and maintain spotless water conditions

🔧 Mature males display more pronounced odontodes (body spines) and stronger territorial behaviors.

📝 Quick Reference Summary

🔧 Advanced Tips

• Use canister filters or sumps with surface agitation to improve oxygen exchange.

• Monitor tank aggression during feeding—Sunshine Plecos can become food dominant.

• For best results, mimic the warm, clean, fast-moving water of the Rio Xingu.

• Keep backup power for temperature and oxygen stability, especially in summer.