Blue Phantom Plecostomus
Scientific Name: Hemiancistrus sp.
Origin: South America
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Water Conditions: 72-78° F, pH 6.0-7.0
- Maximum Size: 7" - 8"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
Blue Phantom Plecostomus are named such due to their dark bluish bodies that may also have greenish tones depending on where they were collected from. They are speckled with small whitish or yellow spots.
In the wild, these plecos live among the rocks in flowing rivers so their filtration should be strong and create a decent amount of current and oxygenation in the water. This will also help with how much waste they tend to produce. To stimulate their natural environment, they should have plenty of rockwork, driftwood, and caves to hide in within the tank. These plecos may be territorial against other members of their species but can live peacefully with most other tankmates.
They are omnivores and should be given a nutritious, varied diet. They can be given sinking bottom feeder wafers, algae wafers, and frozen foods that are both meaty and packed with vegetable matter. They can even be given blanched vegetables like cucumber and kale.