All fish / Loricariidae

Green Phantom Pleco

Baryancistrus demantoides

Also known as green phantom plec, l200, l-200, lemon spotted green pleco, hi-fin green phantom, green phantom pleco l200, グリーンファントムプレコ, 绿帝王异型, L200

This is an olive green suckermouth catfish covered in small pale yellow spots, and it has a tall dorsal fin edged in yellow. Keepers like it for its unusual colour, and it stays a manageable size compared with many plecos.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

14 cm

Temperature

26 to 31 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Single or a group in a large tank with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: algae wafers, vegetables, biofilm, plus frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Venezuela: upper Orinoco and lower Ventuari rivers

Breeding

It spawns in caves, and the male guards the eggs and wrigglers. Captive breeding is rare and usually needs warm, soft, well oxygenated water with a strong current.

Good to know

It needs very warm, clean water with strong flow and lots of oxygen, and it can be territorial with other bottom dwellers. Hemiancistrus subviridis (L128) is a similar fish with blue spots that is often sold under the same name.