Sunshine Pleco (Scobinancistrus aureatus)
| Sunshine Pleco Scobinancistrus aureatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Sunshine Pleco |
| Name Lat. | Scobinancistrus aureatus |
| Synonym | L14 |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Tributaries, forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, territorial |
| Keeping | Individual, pair, group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 8-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 25-30 cm |
| Temperature | 25-29 °C |
| Hardness | 5-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 400 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 10"-12" |
| Temperature | 77-84 °F |
| Hardness | 89-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Sun Catfish is the Rio Xingu and its tributaries in Para (Brazil). There are some local color variations. They live in slow-flowing jungle streams and small rivers, where they often stay in deep, rocky places.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have robust planting, with hiding places such as stones, roots and caves and provide adequate swimming space. A substrate of round gravel, slightly dim light and a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable, and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They feed on animal food. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food for loricariids (granules, pellets, chips, tablets) as well as zooplankton, mosquito larvae, shrimp, krill, snails, fish, crab and mussel meat (live or frozen).
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are crepuscular and nocturnal. Especially older animals can behave very territorial within the species. Several animals should only be kept in large and richly structured tanks. They can be socialized with robust, not too small fish.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The males have a more massive head than the females.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
Aquarium plants basically do not serve as food for them, but they can be damaged or uprooted.
When catching, use nets with as fine a mesh as possible so that the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) do not get caught on the bone plates, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 4, Mergus Verlag; SCHMIDT, WERNER, LECHNER (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF