The Loyal Algae Eaters Tropical in Aquariums: Blue Phantom Pleco

The Loyal Algae Eaters Tropical in Aquariums: Blue Phantom Pleco – The Blue Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus sp., L128) ranges from a light blue to black. It has bluish spots and tough, armour-like scales. They're algae-eaters but need some meaty foods in their own diet as well. It's supposed that this fish may be a northern version of the pleco Hemiancistrus subviridis, L 200. They are naturally seen in regions with fairly high current but can adjust to more serene well-oxygenated conditions.

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The Loyal Algae Eaters Tropical in Aquariums: Blue Phantom Pleco

Very similar to the Hemiancistrus subviridis (L200) but has a blueish-green colouration. The fish generally known as "plecos" come in the family Loricariidae, also known as the “armored catfish”.

They have been known to many as "suckerfish" because of the form of their body and mouth and tend to be sold as algae-eaters even though a lot of them eat little alga. In addition to the two-part scientific names used for all living things, plecos additionally have their very own naming system that identifies them by "L number" or "LDA-number". Though this really is not an "official" identifying procedure, it's popular with hobbyists and collectors.

Compatibility

Ideal for community tanks, but may be very competitive to other Pleco's in general. Like many species of Loricarid, the Blue Phantom Pleco may be territorial: securing and finding suitable hiding places /breeding caverns are usually the focus of attention and primary cause for competitive behaviour. Keeping several adult under circumstances that are crowded or in a tank lacking appropriate hiding places can lead to the passing of among the fish.

Typical Tank set up

Rocky S. American biotope with lots of caves and hiding places. Driftwood or bogwood is considered unnecessary by a requirement, as well as some by others. It can’t damage, therefore it should be included to be safe.

Diet

A glance at the mouth of the Blue Phantom Pleco shows that this species is an "Aufwuchs" eater. Aufwuchs is the organic layer, part plant, part animal (small crustaceans, fresh water sponges, small insects as well as their eggs, plankton), that over time develops on submerged surfaces. The fish uses its large diskshaped suckermouth, equipped having a large amount of tiny teeth, to graze on these surfaces.

Though it is an effective algae eater once acclimatized, this species of Loricarid will normally easily accept meaty foods (bloodworms, mosquito larvae, artemia, tubifex) in addition to vegetable matter (vegetables, pellet food, algae and, to the dismay of several aquarists, also aquarium plants). The emphasis should really be on vegetable matter, as a diet that is overly proteine-wealthy can result in digestive difficulties, ingestation and bloat.

Suggested Tankmates

This fish is a pleco that is good for a community tank despite it is natural habitat in rapids as it'll adapt to less frantic water states. Should you choose to need to strive swifter water, Semaprochilodus characins and silver dollars of numerous types really are an excellent alternative for mid-water companies.

Breeding

This fish happen to be spawned in aquarium. Male guards eggs in similar way to other Hypostominae fishes. Exact details are unknown, although cavern spawner.

Extra Information

An inky black fish with varying blueish white spots. Aquarium ought to have a current that is light to moderate. Many plecos also get quite big as well as their size in addition to 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 every other tank residents, pick plecos attentively with respect to their size, behaviour and diet.