Description
Blue Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus sp.) L128
Overview
The Blue Phantom Pleco, known as L128 in the aquarium trade, is a striking freshwater fish prized for its vibrant blue-black coloration with vivid blue to white spots and a robust, armored body typical of plecos. It grows to 15–18 cm in length, making it a medium-sized pleco suitable for many aquariums. Its nocturnal nature and preference for strong currents and oxygen-rich waters reflect its wild habitat in turbulent, rocky riverbeds. In aquariums, it can live 8–12 years with proper care. The Blue Phantom is a hardy, algae-eating bottom-dweller, valued for its aesthetic appeal and tank-cleaning abilities, though it is less aggressive at algae consumption compared to other plecos like Ancistrus species. It is sometimes confused with the Green Phantom Pleco (L200), but L128’s distinct blue hue and spotting pattern set it apart. Its peaceful demeanor and unique appearance make it a favorite among aquarists, though it requires specific conditions to thrive.
Care Requirements
Tank Size Minimum: 30 gallons (113 liters) for a single juvenile; 55–75 gallons (200–300 liters) recommended for adults or pairs to accommodate their size and territorial Behaviour.
- Longer tanks (e.g., 48×12 inches / 120×30 cm) provide ample space for hiding and grazing.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72°F–86°F (22°C–30°C), ideally 77°F–82°F (25°C–28°C). Avoid prolonged exposure above 86°F.
- pH: 6.5–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral preferred.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5–15 dGH).
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm;
- Nitrate: Keep below 50 mg/L to prevent stress.
- Use a water conditioner to neutralize chlorine and chloramine. High oxygenation is critical due to their preference for fast-flowing waters.
Tank Setup
- Substrate: Fine sand or small, smooth gravel to mimic their natural rocky riverbed habitat and prevent injury to their ventral surface.
- Decor: Essential rockwork, caves, and driftwood for hiding and grazing. Arrange stones to form crevices and caves, replicating their natural granitic rock interstices. Bogwood is optional but aesthetically pleasing.
- Plants: Sturdy plants like Java fern or Anubias anchored to decor; avoid soft-leaved plants, as they may be grazed. Plants promote biofilm growth.
- Filtration: Oversized canister or power filter (10–20 times tank volume per hour) to ensure strong current and oxygenation. Add a venturi system or airstone for enhanced dissolved oxygen, especially in warmer conditions.
- Lighting: Moderate to encourage algae growth for grazing; dim lighting initially to reduce stress for shy individuals. Use a 10–12 hour cycle.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: 20%–30% weekly for 30–55 gallon tanks; 30%–40% biweekly for larger tanks to maintain low nitrates and high oxygen levels.
- Testing: Monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, hardness, and temperature weekly with a reliable test kit (e.g., API Freshwater Master Test Kit).
- Cleaning: Lightly vacuum substrate during water changes to remove debris while preserving biofilm. Rinse filter media in tank water monthly.
- Algae Control: Allow some green spot algae for grazing, but manage excess with manual removal or reduced lighting to prevent overgrowth.
- Decor Care: Clean decor in tank water to preserve biofilm, which is a key food source.
Diet
- Natural Diet: Omnivorous, primarily grazing on algae, biofilm (aufwuchs), and detritus, with occasional small invertebrates in the wild.
- Aquarium Diet:
- Staple Foods: Sinking algae wafers, spirulina pellets, or vegetable-based sinking foods (e.g., Hikari Algae Wafers, Repashy Soilent Green).
- Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, or shelled peas (daily or every other day).
- Live/Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, Daphnia, or mosquito larvae as occasional treats (1–2 times weekly) to enhance colouration and health.
- Feeding Frequency: Small portions 1–2 times daily, ideally at dusk or night when active. Ensure food reaches their hiding spots.
- Variety: Maintain a 60% vegetable/40% protein diet to support digestive health and prevent overfeeding to avoid water pollution. Monitor girth to adjust feeding.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Behaviour
- Social Structure: Solitary and territorial, especially as adults. Juveniles are peaceful, but males become aggressive toward conspecifics or similar bottom-dwellers as they mature.
- Activity: Nocturnal, hiding in caves or crevices during the day and grazing at night. May become more active during the day once acclimated.
- Temperament: Generally peaceful with non-territorial fish but aggressive toward other plecos or bottom-dwellers, particularly under cramped conditions.
Compatibility
- Ideal Tankmates: Medium to large, peaceful midwater fish like Silver Dollars, larger Hyphessobrycon tetras (e.g., Serpae Tetra), Rummynose Tetras, or Flagtails. Small catfish like Corydoras sterbai can coexist if tank size allows.
- Avoid: Other plecos (e.g., Ancistrus, Hypancistrus), aggressive fish (e.g., large cichlids, Red Dragon Flowerhorn), which may be eaten. Avoid bottom-dwellers with similar habits to prevent territorial disputes.
- Tank Setup: Provide multiple caves and visual barriers to reduce aggression, especially if housing multiple Hemiancistrus or Loricariids.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal; males may have longer pectoral spines extending past pelvic fin origins and slight interopercular odontode growth, while females may show yellow around genital papillae when mature. Sexing is challenging at small sizes.
Breeding Behaviour
Breeding Behaviour: Cave-spawners; males lure females into caves to lay eggs, then guard them until hatching.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
