Green Phantom Pleco

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Orinoco River (Venezuela, among the granite boulders). Lives in deep, fast, warm waters rich in dark rocky crevices and very little vegetation, where oxygenation is violent.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Green Phantom Pleco / L200 (Hemiancistrus subviridis). Often confused with Baryancistrus demantoides ("Hi-Fin"), it is distinguished by having the dorsal fin separated from the adipose fin (not attached). Massive armored head and sucking mouth.

Social Behavior: Strictly sedentary and nocturnal/crepuscular. Chooses "THE" cave and defends it to the death from its peers by brutally driving them away with headbutts and peduncle strikes, while completely ignoring other non-benthic fish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: A spectacle of nature: chartreuse green body color (bright/phosphorescent lime green), with faded white polka dots concentrated on the head that thin out towards the tail. The adult male has a colossal head and develops spiny odontodes on the snout.

Aquarium Setup: Requires tank (120+ cm / 48+ inches) in "River Rapids" style. Huge and heavy smooth rounded stones, wood crevices in which to settle and powerful directional circulation pumps to mimic waterfalls are needed. No need for bright light.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous scraper (Aufwuchs). Grazes live algae patina, but algae alone will make it starve to death. Offer massive rations of sinking wafers, spirulina/protein tablets, mussels and soft woods that help to rasp for digestion.

Water Quality: Requires very warm temperature always (27-30°C / 81-86°F) and almost surgical purity. Like all tropical current Plecos, with high nitrates it begins to secrete protective mucus, turning pale, before blocking and dying.

Compatibility and Tankmates: The King of South American Cichlids. Perfect for aquariums with Geophagus, Discus (watch out for strong currents), large tetras (Rummy-Nose, Silver dollar). Do not join two L200 males unless you have tanks over 2 meters (6.5 feet).

Aquarium Reproduction: Very difficult in captivity. Classic Cave-Spawner, the male blocks the entrance to a narrow crevice with his body, wedging the female until spawning, and broods the young for weeks fanning them in the dark.

Risks and Diseases: Post-import malnutrition. 60% of caught (Wild) L200s die within 3 months because the belly, already sunken by the long fast of naval transport, develops parasites and does not resume digestive functions (Sunken belly = avoid purchasing).