Green Phantom Pleco
Hemiancistrus subviridis
The Green Phantom Pleco (L200) is a breathtaking colossus that breaks the typical greyness of many bottom-dwelling fish. Reaching 20 cm (8 inches), this imposing species sports an intoxicating vibrant emerald or olive green color, punctuated by luminescent yellow spots on the front half of the body. Like many large Orinoco Loricariids, it is a demanding inhabitant of the rapids, requiring turbulent and extremely clean water management. Its bold green beauty makes it one of the most admired 'show-stopper' Plecos in large-capacity aquariums.
Temperatura da água
25 - 30 °C
Valor de pH
6 - 7.5
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior
Tamanho adulto
20 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 300 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 1
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
40 - 240 ppm
Condutividade
63 - 375 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: 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.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
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 Cohabitation: 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 Breeding: 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).
Origem e distribuição geográfica
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.
Origem
Amazônia, Orinoco e Guianas
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Semi-aggressive
- To most fish, the Green Phantom is incredibly peaceful and shy. They prefer to stay out of sight during the day and mind their own business. However, they fiercely defend their chosen cave against any fish that comes too close.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- This species is primarily an omnivore with a strong preference for aufwuchs and meaty foods. Offer high-quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and crustaceans alongside vegetable matter. Driftwood is essential for their digestion and should always be available in the tank.
- Expectativa de vida
- 8-15 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 20 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Solitary
- Adult males develop a broader head and significantly larger odontodes than females. It is best to keep them solitary unless attempting to breed in a very large aquarium. Males are highly intolerant of each other and will aggressively fight over territory.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Continuous
- Feed them once a day, preferably at night when they are most active. Ensure that enough food reaches the bottom without being intercepted by faster tank mates. Remove any uneaten fresh vegetables the following morning.
- Carga biológica
- High
- The Green Phantom Pleco contributes a high bioload to the aquarium as it grows. It is a messy eater that produces significant amounts of waste constantly. A powerful canister filter and rigorous maintenance schedule are required to handle its biological output.
- Fluxo
- Strong
- Originating from the fast-flowing Rio Orinoco, they demand high water flow and pristine water quality. Excellent oxygenation is non-negotiable for their long-term health and survival. Use strong powerheads to simulate the rushing rapids of their natural environment.
- Risco de salto
- No
- Reprodução
- Rare / not documented
- Breeding the Green Phantom Pleco is notoriously difficult but has been achieved by dedicated hobbyists. They are cave spawners that require tightly fitting breeding tubes and optimal water parameters. Cool water changes to simulate the rainy season are often used to trigger spawning.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Community
- It is generally peaceful and an excellent companion for a variety of community fish. It does well with tetras, peaceful cichlids, and mid-to-top dwelling species. However, it can be highly territorial and aggressive toward other plecos and bottom-dwellers.
- Nível do tanque
- Bottom
- They inhabit the very bottom of the aquarium, clinging to the substrate, rocks, and driftwood. They require a highly structured environment with plenty of smooth stones and deep caves. They will remain hidden in these crevices for most of the daylight hours.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Resiliência
- Média (1,4 - 4,4 anos)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.01549, b = 2.96
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
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