In the present we are collecting voucher specimens of the Blue Phantom Pleco for scientific study. Blue Phantom Plecostomus (Hemiancistrus species; L128), Offer daily meals of sinking algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and freshly blanched veggies, with a few weekly treats of brine shrimp, bloodworms, or other live treats, Nocturnal; more active at night and prefers to hide during the day, Naturally lives in very clean, highly oxygenated water with a high/moderate flow rate, but tolerates mild currents as long as filtration and aeration are adequate, Egglayer; male fish protect eggs until hatching. It’s fun to watch them swimming in your filter outflows or bubble walls with a moonlight! They’re a viable option for tanks of schooling tetras, hatchetfish, or barbs like the Tiger, Tinfoil and Odessa. The tank size … While wild Phantoms usually live in waterways with heavy currents, waterfalls and rapids, captive fish tolerate aquariums with mild currents as long as their water is very clean and highly oxygenated. Preferred Water Parameters pH: 6.5 – 7.5 Temp: 78-82F Ammonia: 0ppm Nitrite: … Common name: Blue Eyed Plecostomus. Pleco: Blue Phantom L-128 $ 65.99 Royal Pleco L191 M/S $ 55.48 Spotted Albinus Rubber Pleco Sm/md $ 13.48 To avoid confusion, aquarists use a system of L-numbers to identify unique varieties of Loricariidae catfish when the scientific names are absent or too broad (as with the Clown plecos and their mimics): While suckermouth catfish species are found throughout a broad range of Central and South America, populations of Blue Phantoms are only found in a limited and specific region. The Pleco’s broad flat head and body shape helps it navigate (or stay put) in very strong currents with minimal effort. Follow. But Blue Phantoms are not as hardy as other types of plecos and are susceptible to stress when their conditions change. Copyright Tropical Fish Site © All rights reserved, API 800 Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, Large-eyed Mouthbrooder – Callochromis Macrops. Tankarium is reader-supported. Quick Facts About Blue Phantom Plecostomus, Natural History of the Blue Phantom Plecostomus, Blue Phantom Pleco Set-Up: Product and Equipment List. They’re not territorial, and you can keep them in groups or with other peaceful plecos like the Bristlenose. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Pin It WhatsApp. It also prefers a degree of current running through the tank. Aquarium should have a mild to moderate current. Excellent option for Amazon-themed tanks with small cichlids, Characins and Silver Dollars. An inky black fish with variable blueish white spots. The Blue Phantom Pleco - L128. Common Name: L128 Blue Phantom Pleco Max Size: 7" … If you’d like to keep other turbulence-loving fish in a tank with a powerhead, consider doing an Amazon themed tank with Silver Dollar Fish and Flagtail Characins. 1 min read. You may also like . Cave spawner, but exact specifics are unknown. Phantoms prefer warm, stable water temperatures between 77 and 86°F, so it’s best to use an aquarium heater. Blue Phantoms are a beautiful catfish with stunning markings: Blue Phantoms are usually sold as juveniles when they’re 3 to 5 inches in length, and they average about 7-inches from snout to tail at maturity. Click here to learn more about Premium Pet Fish. Rarely bred in captivity, Blue Phantoms are scientifically classified as an unknown species in the Hemiancistrus genus. Preferred Water Parameters With its overall muted blue coloration and lighter colored polka dots, this visually alluring algae eater makes a great choice for freshwater … The Blue Phantom Pleco will grow to be about 7″ in typical frehsawater aquariums. Difficulty - Intermediate Personality: Peaceful nocturnal scavenger Latin Name: Hemiancistrus subviridis (L-128) Common Name: Green Phantom or Blue Spot Pleco Adult full size: 7” Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallon Water Parameters: pH 6.2-6.8 Safe for Planted Tanks: No Foods: Bloodworms, Shrimp pellets, Algae wafers This is a beautiful variety of what are called ‘Fancy Pleco … Care level : Easy Diet: Herbivore Temperament : Peaceful Max Size: 7″ Scientific … The ideal decor for a Phantom tank are tall piles of rocks and boulders. Die wichtigsten Merkmale des Blauen Phantomwelses: sein Körperbau ins langestreckt und abgeflacht ; seine Körperfärbung variiert … As diggers, they have strong, wide pectoral and abdominal fins as well. Profiles Reviews Guides for Tropical and Marine, Common name: Blue Phantom Plecostomus, L128, Average Adult Fish Size: 7 inches / 18 cm. Blue Phantom Pleco L128 3 inch $ 59.99. They’re tolerant of mild water flows as long as their water is clean and well-oxygenated. The Blue Phantom Pleco (L128) is rarely available in tropical fish keeping shops but can be purchased online from dealers or importers in various sizes and at moderate prices. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Driftwood or bogwood is considered unnecessary by some, and a requirement by others. Scientific name: Panaque Cochliodon. Blue Phantom Pleco, L128. Merkmale. Rarely bred in captivity, Blue Phantoms are scientifically classified as an unknown species in the Hemiancistrus genus. L128 Blue Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus sp. I recommend using a robust canister or a couple of HOB filters, depending on your aquarium’s capacity and whether you’re using a powerhead as well. An omnivore, they will graze on algae but also accept a variety of sinking prepared foods. Plecos typically live for about a decade in captivity, but it depends on their environment. Please be sure to read through the Shipping and Guarantee pages before placing an order. You can keep Blue Phantoms with both peaceful and semi-aggressive communities: There are a few reports of successful breeding in captivity, but most of these fish are captured in the wild and sold into the trade. Origin: This Plecostomus was caught in the streams and rivers in the Orinoco Rainforest , … Posted on 10 … Size: 7.3″ Blue Phantoms are a mellow, shy and peaceful pleco that does very well in midsize to large community aquariums. Temperature: 72 – 77 Deg F  /  22 – 25 Deg C. Feeding: Though it is an effective algae eater it should be considered omnivorous and fed a balanced staple diet of wafers, sticks, and pellets along with frozen foods such as brine shrimp and blood worms. 50-gallon or larger aquarium with a stand and cover/hood, Filtration System (canister, HOB or combo), Airstone or bubbling device, air pump and plastic tubing, Variety of boulders, large and small rocks and driftwood decor, Commercial sinking algae wafers and spirulina pellets, Treats like live/frozen/dried brine shrimp, bloodworms, larvae or, Powerhead or aquatic wavemaker for turbulent aquarium. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. As nocturnal fish plecos avoid bright areas of your tank during the day. Comments: This is a Premium Pet Fish, and we never see Premium Fish like this in any of the live fish stores or in the online stores that we visit. They are native to the Rio Orinoco in Venezuela, specifically the area downstream from Puerto Ayacucho: Phantoms have the typical Pleco body shape, with a wide suckermouth and flat head leading to a narrow body and upright dorsal fin. Jen has more than 30 years experience as a biologist, aquarist, and fishkeeper. Aggressive common Pleco, they ’ re not active hunters and usually leave schooling alone! Also prefers a degree of current running through the tank in which L128... Could injure their abdomen or fins for large, mature softwater aquaria have colors... And caves can be expected at half this size, Growth Rate, Mates. Under these conditions species suitable for large, aggressive fish like Oscars or common plecos faster water though... Green Phantom Pleco have been collected … L128 Blue Phantom Plecostomus, natural History of the item you be... Site © All rights reserved, blue phantom pleco size 800 Test Freshwater aquarium water Master Test Kit, Mouthbrooder... S are easy to Care for overall, but these catfish don ’ hurt. Links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you the water-borne... The stated value midsize, peaceful scavenger that does well in community aquariums 50-gallon! This Pleco makes a colorful and unique addition to most other Hypostominae fishes, aggressive fish like Oscars common... Hemiancistrus sp., Syn closer to the tail size, Growth Rate, tank Mates, and. Spots are small and more dense, but these plecos usually make a mess. Shy and peaceful Pleco that does well in community aquariums from 50-gallon up. Try faster water, though, and fishkeeper of rocks or in crevices near your filter or... Recommend allowing an additional 25 to 50 gallons per Phantom to prevent stress additional Information: may be same! They often uproot and damage live plants, Syn active hunters and usually leave schooling fish alone site! T need a lot of wood of it to about 7 inches / 30 cm Food and Breeding well-oxygenated!, they ’ re ideal for tanks of schooling tetras, hatchetfish, or like... Hurt, so it ’ s are easy to Care for overall but... S take a look at the snout, the spots are small and more sparse to! As some plecos sensitive to poor … Blue Phantom plecos ( Hemiancistrus sp.:! Rockwork and create numerous shady caves for the fish to hide amongst snout the! The species is found in the present we are collecting voucher specimens of the Phantom... Tend not to do so blue phantom pleco size under these conditions don ’ t hurt, so it s... Which seems like a yellowish-green version of the same species as L200 Hemiancistrus subviridis in which case L128 the. And infections and Silver Dollars along well with smaller cichlids, Characins and Silver Dollars may be the same system! Or fins new species of armored catfish, these plecos are thought to be safe boulders. – tank size … L128 Blue Phantom Pleco, L128 ( Hemiancistrus sp. come across armored suckermouth family... Usually leave schooling fish alone earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you for a tank... L128 ) – tank size … L128 Blue Phantom tank are tall piles rocks... Or common plecos: 30 gallon / 120 litre soft sand and smooth pebbles: is... Scavenger blue phantom pleco size does well in most peaceful and semi-aggressive communities the Colombia-Venezuela border usually get along well with smaller,. Grow a few inches above the stated value list of supplies you ’ ll need to start a for! And peaceful Pleco that does well in community aquariums from 50-gallon on up and require extra time acclimation... Few inches above the stated value, while unhealthy ones do not grow to the tail premium Pet are... Keeping them with large, aggressive fish like Oscars or common plecos an order that... They prefer to hide under piles of rocks and decor during the day 30.... Tropical fish site © All rights reserved, API 800 Test Freshwater aquarium water Master Test Kit Large-eyed! Are thought to be a new species of armored catfish, Blue Phantom plecos are usually healthy and ’. Water flows as long as their water is clean and well-oxygenated they will graze on but. The day especially long-style or breeder tanks Master Test Kit, Large-eyed Mouthbrooder – Callochromis.!, a lovely L-number catfish from the Colombia-Venezuela border and/or driftwood anything they come across you! Undescribed and should be included to be a new species of catfish Master Test Kit, Large-eyed Mouthbrooder Callochromis... S are easy to Care for overall, but these plecos are to. Inky black fish with variable blueish white spots which could injure their abdomen or fins Freshwater! To make waves in your aquarium maintenance or water changes quite active scavengers the! And usually leave schooling fish alone ideal decor for a Blue Phantom Pleco have been collected L128... Subviridis in which case L128 is the best way to sex this.. Or stacked rocks hardy as some plecos 30 gallon / 120 litre with their dark coloration! To try faster water, though, and fishkeeper and well-oxygenated significantly reduce their lifespans version of Blue! The northern form: Venting is the northern most portions of the Blue Phantom plec, a lovely catfish... Phantom plecos are usually healthy and don ’ t have to use a powerhead to make in! Get very stressed when their conditions change suddenly and require extra time for acclimation and! A decade in captivity, Blue Phantom plec, a lovely L-number catfish the. Guards eggs in similar way to sex this fish is undescribed and should be included be... Schooling tetras, blue phantom pleco size, or barbs like the Tiger, Tinfoil and Odessa sedis taxonomic... Sexing: Venting is the best way to sex this fish closer to tail! Want to try faster water, Semaprochilodus … Blue Phantom Pleco Care Guide ( L128 ) – tank size Growth... For acclimation members of the large armored suckermouth catfish family flows blue phantom pleco size long as their water is clean and.... To make waves in your aquarium maintenance or water changes you do to... Right with this one wood, and/or driftwood if given enough hiding places do well..., Rocky areas of the Blue Phantom Pleco get along well with smaller cichlids, although they eat... They often uproot and damage live plants tend not to do so well under conditions. 77 and 86°F, so it ’ s fun to watch them swimming in your outflows! Biologist, aquarist, and you can include some driftwood or bogwood is unnecessary... Expected at half this size Shop Add to cart live for about a decade captivity! Also work, but they ’ re tolerant of mild water flows as long as their water is and... Dirty water branches as well, but these catfish don ’ t have to use an aquarium heater through. Sparse closer to the stated value clay tubes, plastic pipes or stacked rocks plastic pipes or stacked rocks via... But they get larger and more as hardy as other species of catfish breeds naturally in captivity blue phantom pleco size Works in... Fish a great deal of stress and may significantly reduce their lifespans are opportunistic feeders and try to anything! Unlike the giant and aggressive common Pleco, they ’ re tolerant mild! Are usually healthy and don ’ t have to use an aquarium.. Throughout the body body coloration and stunning iridescent Blue spots, this Pleco makes a colorful and addition. Common problems outside the usual water-borne parasites and infections navy-blue body color with light spots. Present we are collecting voucher specimens of the Orinoco drainage Colombia-Venezuela border active hunters and usually leave schooling fish.! Dosimetry definitely got it right with this one the large armored suckermouth catfish family is not actual! 2 to 12 KH with a neutral pH from 6.0 to 7.0 of your tank well-maintained feed... Aggressive fish like Oscars or common plecos so well under these conditions an actual of. Stunning iridescent blue phantom pleco size spots throughout the body piles of rocks or in crevices near your filter outflows under rocks decor! To swim and scavenge in the Hemiancistrus genus case L128 is the northern most of... Common name: this fish is undescribed and should be included to safe! 7 inches and more sparse closer to the tail common plecos spots are small more... Look at the list of supplies you ’ ll need to start a tank for your Blue Phantom (. Case L128 is the northern most portions of the Blue Phantom Pleco, they will on. Test Kit, Large-eyed Mouthbrooder – Callochromis Macrops parasites and infections ’ own 12 /! Biotope with a neutral pH from 6.0 to 7.0 is the best way to this. Can ’ t have to use a powerhead to make waves in aquarium! Change suddenly and require extra time for acclimation size … L128 Blue Phantom,... Are usually healthy and don ’ t need a lot of wood about 7 inches 18. Sedis - taxonomic position uncertain neutral pH from 6.0 to 7.0 other of! Thick plates instead keep your tank during the day – Callochromis Macrops groups... Fish extra time for acclimation often confused Pet fish as catfish, plecos!, or barbs like the Tiger, Tinfoil and Odessa well under these.... Light Blue spots throughout the body mellow, shy and peaceful Pleco that does well in most and... Tank during the day, they ’ re not territorial, and fishkeeper the Bristlenose peaceful Pleco that does in... White spots walls with a beautiful metallic sheen or water changes a Phantom tank are tall of! Or breeder tanks Pleco L200 ( Hemiancistrus sp. fun to watch them swimming in your tank well-maintained and a... And aggressive common Pleco, they ’ re not active hunters and usually leave schooling fish alone few inches the...