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Species profile

Green Phantom Plecostomus

Hemiancistrus subviridis

Common names: Green Phantom Plecostomus

Recognized speciesPlecostomus

Adult size

Up to 15 cm

Up to 15 cm

Countries of origin

  • See all stock from Colombia
  • See all stock from Venezuela

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

  • A keeper who has researched this fish and can match its needs

Think carefully if

  • You cannot provide about 304 litres for a fully grown fish

A green-yellow pleco with pale spots, from cracks between granite rocks in flowing water in the upper Orinoco. Keep alone or in a small group in 304 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

A green-yellow pleco with pale spots, from cracks between granite rocks in flowing water in the upper Orinoco. It needs warm, oxygen-rich water.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Mature males are usually broader in the head, with more bristles on the body or snout.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter
About 1,220–1,520 litres an hour
Suggested heater
About 300–450 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume
304 litres
Minimum tank length
150 cm
Minimum group size
1
Recommended group size
1
Activity level
Low
Flow preference
High
Planting preference
Moderately planted
Hiding places
Yes
Lid recommended
Yes
Jumping risk
Moderate

Provide wood and caves, plenty of oxygen and steady flow. Most are active at night and need places to hide during the day.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Mostly active after dark, spending the day in a cave or under wood.

Usually kept singly or in a small group, in a tank with one cave for each fish.

Males can defend caves against other bottom-dwellers.

A peaceful community fish, with others that like similar water. It may compete for caves with other bottom-dwellers.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature
26–30 °C
pH
6–7.8
Stability importance
Important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable. Keep the temperature steady.

Parameter caveat
Keep up regular water changes, and acclimatise new fish slowly.

Feeding

Diet types
Omnivore
Feeding frequency
Daily
Preferred foods
  • Sinking pellets or wafersFeed after lights-out if faster fish take everything first.
  • Frozen bloodworm and brine shrimpOffer several times a week.
  • Blanched vegetablesCourgette or cucumber add variety for fish that graze.

Diet varies by species, from algae and wood to meaty foods. Feed sinking foods after lights-out.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding type
Cave Spawner
Breeding difficulty
Moderate
Parental care
Variable
Baby foods
  • Newly hatched brine shrimpThe fry can usually take this from the start.
  • Crushed flakeA simple addition as they grow.

Spawns inside a cave, and one parent guards the eggs and young. Provide a suitable cave for each pair.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin
Colombia, South America, Venezuela
Natural habitat
River
Aquarium contexts
Planted Aquarium
Audience level
Intermediate

Classification

Profile type
Recognized species
Genus
Hemiancistrus
Family
Loricariidae
Species group
Fish, Plecostomus

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