Blue Phantom Pleco - Hemiancistrus sp. L128 - Small

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$69.99
SKU: 213439
Manufacturer: That Fish Place
MPN: F90 0022 0102

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Details

The Blue Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus sp., L128) ranges from a light blue to black. It has bluish spots and hard, armor-like scales. They are algae-eaters but need some meaty foods in their diet as well. It is speculated that this fish may be a northern variant of the pleco Hemiancistrus subviridis, L-200. They are naturally found in areas with fairly high current but can adapt to calmer well-oxygenated conditions.

The fish commonly known as "plecos" come from the family Loricariidae, also known as the “armored catfish”. They include fish from the genera Ancistrus, Baryancistrus, Chaetostoma, Hypostomus, Leporacanthicus, Panaque, Peckoltia, Pseudancistrus and many others. They are known to many as "suckerfish" due to the shape of their body and mouth and are often sold as algae-eaters even though many of them eat little algae. In addition to the two-part scientific names used for all living things, plecos also have their own naming system that identifies them by "L-number" or "LDA-number". Though this is not an "official" naming method, it is popular among hobbyists and collectors.

Plecos are generally flattened with a large, round head and skinnier body. The body is covered by hard plates and many have strong spines in their fins and even along the body. The mouths are on the underside of the fish and are used to rasp food from hard surfaces and to help the pleco maintain its position in the water flow.

Plecos are commonly purchased by new and experienced aquarists alike as algae-eaters; most plecos do not eat algae or need other foods in their diet as well. The genera Ancistrus, Peckoltia and Otocinclus are a few common, smaller plecos that will help control algae without eating live plants. Many others are omnivores (eat both plant matter and meaty foods), carnivores (primarily eat meaty foods) or scavengers (eat whatever they can find). Some plecos, notably those from the Panaque genus, even eat wood as part of their diet.

Many plecos also get very large and their size as well as their waste production make them unsuitable for small aquariums. The very common Trinidad Pleco/Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) grows close to two feet in length. As with any other tank residents, choose plecos carefully with respect to their size, behavior and diet.

Specifications

Specifications
MPN
F90 0022 0102
Manufacturer
That Fish Place
Common NameBlue Phantom Pleco - Small
Scientific NameHemiancistrus sp. L128
OriginSouth America
Max Size (in inches)7
Community SafeYes
pH Range6.0-7.0
DietOmnivore (equal plants and meat)
Min Tank Size (in gallons)55
Temperature Range72-78
DifficultyModerate
Internal Id
20078

State Restrictions
Alaska
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
California
Hawaii
Puerto Rico

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