Goldie Pleco

Scobinancistrus aureatus (L014) is a large and spectacular loricariid from the Rio Xingu in Brazil. Juveniles display bright yellow spots that develop into large, vivid golden blotches on the dark body with maturity. Like its Xingu relatives, it requires warm, fast-flowing, highly oxygenated water and grows to a size requiring a very spacious aquarium.

Water: 26–30°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft; very high flow and oxygenation. Tank: Large rocky caves and driftwood; minimum 200L; powerful filtration. Feeding: Omnivore; algae wafers, Repashy, blanched veg, and meaty supplements. Behaviour: Nocturnal; semi-aggressive toward similarly spotted plecos — one per tank. Compatibility: Peaceful with most community fish; avoid other Scobinancistrus or Gold Nuggets.