L14 - Sun catfish - Scobinancistrus cf. aureatus - 8cm

The Scobinancistrus aureatus (L14), also called sun catfish or golden peacock cat fish, originating from the tributaries of the Amazon, is one of the largest representatives kept in the aquarium. Especially in the rapids of the Rio Xingù and its tributaries, these pretty catfishes inhabit the varied substrates and have also been recorded in Para and Brazil. Due to the construction of a dam, which enormously reduces the flow velocity of the river, the natural habitat of the catfish is threatened. Of all the catfish kept in the aquarium, the Sun Catfish is one of the larger specimens.

You will receive our L14 in a size of 8 cm.

Sun Catfish have a gray-brown base color with irregular yellow-orange spots and specks up to above the fins, the fin seams are also nicely colored. Especially the juveniles show a distinct body coloration. As they age, the colors blend together. The sexes are difficult to distinguish, especially the slightly broader head of adult males can be used for sex determination, but also their elongated pectoral fin and gill cover odontodes.

The breeding of Scobinancistrus aureatus in captivity has already been successful, but is rather a coincidence. Frequent water changes with very soft water, as well as temperature increases to 28-31 °C in combination with good feeding, contribute among other things to the readiness to mate. Also a very good oxygen supply is to be paid attention to. Preferably these cave breeders spawn in offered bamboo tubes or caves, in which they lay up to 150 eggs.

The aquarium of the Sun Catfish should have an edge length of at least 150 cm and should have a strong current, as they know it from their habitat. Also a sufficiently dimensioned filter maintains the water quality of these bottom dwellers, because they are good eaters and produce accordingly excreta. Regular and thorough vacuuming of the bottom substrate is therefore necessary. Some well shaded areas, as well as a good structuring with stones and soft substrate, contribute to their well-being Root wood which still allow sufficient swimming space. The substrate can consist of Sand consist of. Semi-dark areas in the aquarium can be created with reduced lighting and stocking with lotus plants, for example, but also floating plants. Sun Catfish can be maintained in very soft to medium hard water at a pH of 5.5-7. 5. A water temperature of approx. 26-30 °C is optimal. Sun Catfish can reach stately final sizes of 35 to 40 cm and become increasingly territorial within the species as they age. In a group of 3-5 animals should therefore be offered more caves than the number of fish. Otherwise they are peaceful catfishes, which can be socialized very well with tetras and also other catfishes.

Scobinancistrus aureatus is primarily an omnivore, which in its habitat prefers to eat snails, which it finds in the soft substrate. However, in the aquarium it can be easily fed with conventional dry food for omnivorous ornamental fish. Usually it is easy to get used to granulated food, flake food, but also bottom tablets and special catfish food. It also likes to eat soft and scalded vegetables, such as Zucchini chips, Hokkaido chips, but also Bell pepper chips or Carrot chips. Occasionally it can be fed with larger frozen or live food such as mussels, smelts or Mosquito larvae can be spoiled.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfishfeed for all aufwuchs feeding sucking catfish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes, which provide sucking catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As a snack, supplemental food or vacation food, we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.