Species profile
L128 Blue Phantom Pleco
Hemiancistrus sp. L128
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
300 L minimum aquarium
20–25 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Striking blue-green pleco. Needs high oxygen, clean water, and hiding spots.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
25–30 °C
pH
6–7
GH
Up to 12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
High
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
2.5
Rock-dwelling loricariid that can be territorial with similar plecos. Provide multiple caves/crevices, strong oxygenation and enough floor area to separate territories.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
300 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 50 cm
Alternative names
L128, Blue Phantom Pleco, Hemiancistrus sp. L128
Native range
Rio Orinoco system, Venezuela; exact species-level identity remains unresolved under the L128 designation.
Natural habitat
Warm rocky, fast-flowing and highly oxygenated river habitat. Use rounded rock/caves, strong circulation, excellent oxygenation and very low dissolved waste.
Diet & feeding
Omnivorous grazer; provide quality sinking pleco foods, vegetable matter and controlled invertebrate/protein foods. It may rasp softer plants.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males tend to develop stronger odontodes and broader head/pectoral structures; females are typically fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Cave-spawning loricariid; specialist accounts report male cave guarding, but taxonomy remains unresolved and breeding details should not be over-generalised.