L128 Hemiancistrus sp. “Blue Phantom”

(Blue Phantom Pleco)

The L128 Hemiancistrus sp., commonly known as the Blue Phantom Pleco, is a strikingly beautiful species native to South American rivers, particularly the Rio Xingu in Brazil. Known for its vibrant blue to greenish coloration and its peaceful nature, the Blue Phantom Pleco is a favorite among aquarists who can provide the proper care. This species is a great choice for medium to large community tanks, provided its water quality, tankmates, and diet are well managed.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • A minimum of 40 gallons for a single individual is recommended, though larger tanks (55 gallons or more) are preferable, especially for multiple fish or larger setups.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel works best to avoid injury to their delicate ventral fins.
  • Decor: Provide plenty of driftwood, caves, and rocks. These plecos enjoy hiding, so include several hiding spots to reduce stress.
  • Plants: Hardy plants like Anubias, Java fern, and Amazon swords are suitable, but they may uproot delicate plants due to their bottom-dwelling habits.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is fine; they are nocturnal and prefer dimmer conditions.
• Water Flow:
  • A moderate to strong water flow is ideal, as they naturally inhabit fast-moving rivers with strong currents.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: 4–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm.
• Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 20–30% to maintain excellent water quality and oxygenation.

Diet

The Blue Phantom Pleco is omnivorous, requiring a varied diet to stay healthy and vibrant:

• Staple Foods:
  • High-quality sinking pellets or wafers made for plecos, containing algae and vegetable matter.
• Vegetable Matter:
  • Offer blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and peas.
• Protein:
  • Supplement with protein sources like frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
• Wood:
  • Driftwood is essential for digestion, as these plecos rasp biofilm and algae off it.
• Feeding Schedule:
  • Feed once or twice a day. Be sure to remove any uneaten food to prevent water quality issues.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • The Blue Phantom Pleco is generally peaceful, but it can be territorial, especially when it comes to feeding or resting spots. Providing plenty of hiding places and space can reduce aggression.
• Activity:
  • This species is primarily nocturnal and will be most active during the night when foraging for food along the bottom of the tank.
• Tankmates:
  • Compatible with peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, cichlids (dwarf varieties), and other non-aggressive bottom dwellers. Avoid housing them with overly territorial or fin-nipping species.

Breeding

Breeding Hemiancistrus sp. “Blue Phantom” in captivity is rare but possible under the right conditions. Here’s what is known:

1. Breeding Tank:
   • A separate breeding tank with caves or PVC pipes for hiding and spawning sites. The tank should have a gentle to moderate water flow, and the temperature should be maintained at 80–82°F (27–28°C).
2. Conditioning:
   • Provide a high-protein diet with a mix of live and frozen foods to encourage breeding behavior.
3. Spawning Behavior:
   • The male will choose a cave or hiding spot and attempt to attract a female. Once a female lays eggs, the male fertilizes them and guards the eggs until they hatch.
4. Fry Care:
   • The fry will hatch in 5–7 days, and they will remain in the cave until they are strong enough to swim freely. Feed the fry finely crushed algae wafers, spirulina powder, and baby brine shrimp.

Common Challenges

1. Territorial Behavior:
   • Males can become territorial and aggressive toward other males or bottom-dwelling species. Make sure to provide plenty of hiding spots to prevent conflict.
2. Diet:
   • These plecos require a balanced diet rich in algae and vegetables. Without this, they may become malnourished or develop health issues.
3. Water Quality:
   • They are sensitive to poor water quality, so maintaining stable and clean water conditions is essential.

Interesting Facts

• The Blue Phantom Pleco gets its name from its stunning blue-green coloration with yellow spots, which gives it a “phantom” appearance when it hides in dark environments.
• Like many other plecos, it has specialized suction pads on its underside to attach to rocks and driftwood while it feeds on biofilm and algae.
• The Hemiancistrus genus is known for its ability to adapt to various water conditions, though L128 does best in moderately soft, slightly acidic water.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	40 gallons minimum
Water Parameters	pH 6.5–7.5, 75–82°F, soft to moderately hard water
Diet	Omnivorous: sinking wafers, vegetables, protein
Temperament	Peaceful but can be territorial
Lifespan	8–12 years

The Blue Phantom Pleco (L128) is a beautiful and relatively peaceful species that adds both visual appeal and ecological value to your aquarium. With proper care, this stunning fish can live a long and healthy life, becoming a fascinating and striking centerpiece in your tank.