All fish / Loricariidae

Golden Sailfin Pleco

Scobinancistrus aureatus

Also known as l014, l-014, l14, sunshine pleco, goldie pleco, golden sailfin pleco, l014 pleco, サンシャインプレコ, 金点黄翅异型, L014

A large, dark loricariid catfish covered in bright yellow to gold spots, with yellow edges on the dorsal and tail fins. It is prized by catfish enthusiasts for its striking colour and impressive adult size.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

30 cm

Temperature

26 to 31 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

450 litres

Keep as

Singly, or in a large tank with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: meaty sinking foods such as mussel, prawn and bloodworm, plus sinking pellets and some vegetables

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Xingu basin

Breeding

It is a cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs, but captive breeding is very rare because of its size and need for warm, fast, well-oxygenated water.

Good to know

Grows to around 30 cm and can be territorial towards other bottom dwellers, so it needs a big tank with strong flow and high oxygen. Brazil restricts export of some Xingu plecos, and the Belo Monte dam has affected its wild habitat.