L128 Blue Phantom Pleco Ancistrinae Hemiancistrus SP

Overview

The L128 Blue Phantom Pleco is a handsome armoured catfish with a steel blue to slate grey body covered in fine pale blue spots. It comes from the upper Rio Orinoco in Venezuela, where it clings to rocks in fast, oxygen-rich water. A peaceful, mid-sized pleco, it suits experienced keepers with a well-filtered tank.

• Adult Size: Around 18–20 cm (7–8 in); slow growing
• Lifespan: 10–15 years

Origin

• Native to: Upper Rio Orinoco, Amazonas state, Venezuela
• Habitat: Fast-flowing rocky rapids and riffles with high oxygen

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, leaning herbivorous
• Preferred Foods: Algae wafers, courgette, spirulina pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, sinking granules
• Feeding Habits: Feed nightly after lights out; mix vegetable and meaty foods in rotation

Tank Mates

• Best with: Peaceful mid-water fish: tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, Corydoras, hillstream species
• Avoid: Other plecos of similar shape, aggressive cichlids, very small fry, heater-hugging fish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful, solitary and nocturnal
• Territoriality: Defends a cave against other bottom dwellers, especially its own kind

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Needs strong flow, high oxygen, cooler water and very clean conditions

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft, slightly acidic, well oxygenated
• Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 3–12 dGH
• Flow: Strong, with high oxygenation
• Tank Size: Minimum 200 litres with rocks, caves, sand and a powerhead for flow

Final Notes

Blue phantoms are wild caught from rapids, so they sulk in still, warm or poorly oxygenated tanks: add a powerhead, keep nitrates low and change water weekly. They are nocturnal and need rock or wood caves, with sand or smooth gravel underfoot. The blue colour deepens with maturity and good diet. Sexes are similar; mature males show broader heads and odontodes. A striking, long-lived pleco for a well-run tank.