Green Phantom Pleco L200 care guide
Green Phantom Pleco L200 (Hemiancistrus subviridis) — minimum tank 200 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Overview
The Green Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus subviridis), known in the L-number system as L200, is a medium-sized loricariid from the Orinoco basin in Venezuela. The body is olive-green to yellow-green with paler spotting.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Hemiancistrus
- Scientific name: Hemiancistrus subviridis
- Common synonyms: L200, Hemiancistrus subviridis
Habitat
Native to fast, oxygen-rich main channels of the upper Orinoco and tributaries in Venezuela, in habitats with rocky substrates and submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (52.8 US gal)
- Adult size: 15-18 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Water flow: strong
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
An omnivore with a strong herbivorous component. Offer sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables and occasional protein-rich foods (frozen bloodworms, shrimp).
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive territorial species. Keep one specimen per aquarium unless the tank is very large with multiple caves and visual barriers; conspecifics will fight. Compatible with active mid-water species that can tolerate strong flow.
Breeding
Cave-spawner. Captive breeding has been achieved by specialised hobbyists using cool, well-oxygenated water and narrow caves; the male guards the brood.