Sunshine Pleco (L014) (Scobinancistrus aureatus) is an advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 80 gallons and 76-86°F. A striking L-number pleco with a gold-speckled dark body, endemic to the Rio Xingu. It is sold small but grows into a large, long-lived fish that needs real swimming room and a varied, protein-rich diet, not just algae wafers.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Scobinancistrus aureatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Loricariidae |
| Origin | Rio Xingu, Brazil |
| Adult size | 10-12 in |
| Minimum tank | 80 gallons |
| Temperature | 76-86°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Relatively peaceful but can be territorial toward other bottom-dwellers; mostly nocturnal |
| Social behavior | Solitary, or one per very large tank |
| Swim level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Diet | Omnivore: sinking pellets, bloodworms, shrimp, blanched vegetables; needs real protein, not just algae |
| Typical lifespan | 10-15 years |
Quick tips
- Plan for a tank of at least 80 gallons as an adult; some keepers recommend up to 125 gallons for a fully grown fish.
- Feed real protein (bloodworms, shrimp) alongside vegetables; algae alone is not enough.
- Keep only one per tank unless the tank is very large; it can be territorial with other bottom-dwellers.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi