Hemiancistrus sp.

Blue Phantom Plec, L128

Classification

Loricariidae. Subfamily: Ancistrinae

Distribution

Known only from the northern Rio Orinoco drainage, Venezuela.

Habitat

Inhabits flowing waters with rocky substrates, where it lives amongst the rocks.

Maximum Standard Length

7.2″ (18cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

48″ x 12″ x 12″ (120cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 108 litres.

Maintenance

A stream-type setup with a gravel or sand substrate and rounded stones and rocks would simulate its natural biotope, but it’s equally at home in a planted tank. It does require well-oxygenated water, though, and live plants tend not to do so well under these conditions. It also prefers a degree of current running through the tank.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 72-77°F (22-25°C)

pH: 6.0-7.0

Hardness: 2-12°H

Diet

Feeds on aufwuchs and small aquatic crustaceans in nature. In the aquarium it proves omnivorous and will accept sinking dried foods, vegatable matter including blanched spinach or spirulina, and live and frozen fare such as bloodworm or daphnia.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

A decent choice for the community tank. In a biotope setup good tankmates include characins such as Anostomus, Hemiodus, Semaprochilodus and Metynnis species, reophilic cichlids such as Retroculus and other Loricariids requiring similar conditions. It can also be kept in a more general community, if you wish. If you’re keeping more than one, ensure each has it’s own refuge to call home, and expect some territorial bickering.

Sexual Dimorphism

Unknown.

Reproduction

Not thought to have been bred in the hobby. It’s probably a cave spawning species, given its natural habitat.

NotesTop ↑

This stunning species must surely rank among the most attractive Loricariids available in the hobby. There are several colour forms available, depending on collection locality. These vary in base colour and in the number, size and positioning of the spots on the body.

The true identity of this fish is shrouded in confusion. It may or may not be Hemiancistrus subviridis, also known as the green phantom plec (L200), which it resembles very closely in morphology. The two are also found in different parts of the same river system. Compellingly, the darker forms of L128 are found at the northenmost end of this range, with the fish becoming progressively lighter in colour as the river travels south. At the end of its range, L128 gives way to the darkest form of H. subviridis, which also becomes lighter as the river moves yet further south. This would certainly appear to suggest that the two fish are colour forms of the same species, but as things stand we are still awaiting scientific confirmation of the true identity of L128. Even placement in the genus Hemiancistrus should only be considered tentative.

It can be a little delicate when newly imported, so when buying the fish check that it has a rounded belly and that its eyes aren’t sunken. These are classic signs of emaciation in Loricariids and fish in this condition do not often survive for long.