Sturisoma aureum, commonly known as the Goldhead Plecostomus, is a species of bottom-dwelling fish belonging to the Loricariidae family. It is native to South America, specifically the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. This fish is known for its elongated body shape and distinctive golden head coloration.
Sturisoma aureum is a peaceful and shy fish that tends to spend most of its time foraging for food at the bottom of the aquarium. They are primarily nocturnal and can be observed exploring among rocks and vegetation in search of leftover food and algae. They prefer to have shelters and hiding spots in the aquarium to feel secure.
Sexual dimorphism in Sturisoma aureum is subtle and generally not easily distinguishable. However, during the breeding season, males may display territorial behaviors and build shelters to attract females.
Breeding Sturisoma aureum in captivity can be challenging. To stimulate breeding, it is recommended to provide them with caves or clay tubes where they can deposit their eggs. The female is usually responsible for caring and protecting the eggs while the male defends the surrounding territory. Maintaining proper water quality and providing nutritious food can promote successful reproduction.
Sturisoma aureum is a peaceful fish that requires a well-planted aquarium with plenty of space to swim and explore. It prefers a sandy substrate and areas with rocks, driftwood, and dense plants that provide hiding spots and resting areas. Maintaining good water quality and gentle water flow is important.
Sturisoma aureum is a herbivorous fish that primarily feeds on algae and plant matter. In the aquarium, they can be offered specific vegetable-based foods for bottom-dwelling fish, such as algae wafers or spirulina pellets. They also accept fresh vegetables like cucumber and zucchini. It is important to provide them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and avoids deficiencies.
Caring for Sturisoma aureum is moderately easy. They are quiet and tolerant fish that can adapt to a variety of water conditions. They require a varied diet including both vegetable and protein-rich foods, and can be fed sinking pellets and fresh foods.
In case you need more help, or if you want to know into any topic related to the Sturisoma aureum (Golden Royal Pleco) and even any other species you can use the forums to ask what you need.
To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Sturisoma aureum (Golden Royal Pleco) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Golden Royal Pleco with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.
You can also find out the 142 species compatible with the Sturisoma aureum (Golden Royal Pleco) can live together.
Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.
Compatible without any restriction
Los peces agresivos y/o territoriales pueden convivir con peces protegidos por una coraza, ya que no pueden comérselos por su dura piel ni tampoco agredirlos sin salir heridos ellos mismos.
Los peces territoriales por lo general pueden convivir con peces protegidos con coraza, ya que no pueden hacerles daño por su dura piel, lo que si hay que tener en cuenta es tener un acuario con dimensiones favorables para que cada pez pueda delimitar un territorio, ya que la mayoría de peces acorazados son también peces de fondo y les gusta estar buscando lugares donde ocultarse.
They can coexist if they are the same size or very similar sizes, it does not work in all cases, there may be exceptions.
Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.
Las especies territoriales por lo general pueden convivir con especies protegidas con coraza, ya que no pueden hacerles daño por su dura piel, lo que si hay que tener en cuenta es tener un acuario con dimensiones favorables para que cada pez pueda delimitar un territorio, ya que la mayoría de peces acorazados son también peces de fondo y les gusta estar buscando lugares donde ocultarse.
Fish can live together as long as the space is spacious enough to delimit a territory, otherwise there may be aggressions for competing for the territory.
It can be territorial with fish that occupy the bottom of the aquarium or by food struggles.
Como a estos peces les gusta estar refugiados en diferentes ubicaciones del acuario ya sean en plantas, troncos, rocas etc, si otro pez intenta entrar donde está escondido podrían haber confrontaciones por ese refugio.
Los peces territoriales por lo general pueden convivir con peces protegidos con coraza, ya que no pueden hacerles daño por su dura piel, lo que si hay que tener en cuenta es tener un acuario con dimensiones favorables para que cada pez pueda delimitar un territorio, ya que la mayoría de peces acorazados son también peces de fondo y les gusta estar buscando lugares donde ocultarse.
They can coexist while they are similar in size or the size difference is not very abysmal, since as the fish grows it increases the chances of eating its partner that did not grow much.
They can coexist together if the aquarium they share is large and spacious enough for both species to feel good, as some fish may attack others to feel that they have little space and try to eliminate the competition.