L128 Blue Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus sp. L128)

The L128 Blue Phantom Pleco is a stunning and highly sought-after pleco known for its beautiful blue-grey colouration and contrasting pale spots. With its striking appearance, manageable adult size and generally peaceful temperament, the Blue Phantom makes an impressive addition to larger community and cichlid aquariums.

Native to the Orinoco River system in Venezuela and Colombia, this species naturally inhabits flowing, highly oxygenated water around rocky areas.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Hemiancistrus sp. L128
• L-Number: L128
• Common Name: Blue Phantom Pleco
• Origin: Orinoco River system, Venezuela & Colombia
• Adult Size: Approximately 15–18cm
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperature: 25–30°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Temperament: Peaceful / Can be territorial with other bottom dwellers
• Tank Level: Bottom
• Sex: Unsexed

Overview

The Blue Phantom Pleco is easily recognised by its incredible blue to blue-grey body covered in contrasting light spots. Colouration can vary between individuals and may become more impressive as the fish settles into a suitable aquarium.

They can initially be shy and spend much of their time hiding amongst rocks and driftwood. Once comfortable with their surroundings, however, many become increasingly confident and can regularly be seen exploring and feeding during the day.

Behaviour & Compatibility

Blue Phantom Plecos are generally peaceful towards other fish and can work well in a variety of appropriately sized community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates can include:

• Tetras
• Rainbowfish
• Gouramis
• Corydoras
• Peaceful to semi-aggressive Cichlids
• Other appropriately sized community fish

While generally peaceful, they can become territorial towards other Plecos and bottom-dwelling fish, particularly as they mature.

If keeping multiple Plecos, provide plenty of caves, hiding places and separate territories to reduce competition.

Aquarium Setup

Blue Phantom Plecos appreciate clean, warm and highly oxygenated water with good water movement.

An aquarium containing rocks, caves and driftwood will provide plenty of natural hiding and resting areas. Good filtration is particularly important, along with regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Provide each Pleco with its own suitable cave or hiding place, especially when keeping more than one bottom-dwelling species.

Feeding

Although Blue Phantom Plecos will graze on algae and biofilm, they should not be purchased solely as algae cleaners.

They are omnivorous and require a varied diet containing both plant and protein-based foods.

Suitable foods include:

• Quality sinking Pleco pellets
• Algae and spirulina wafers
• Repashy-style gel foods
• Bloodworms
• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Blanched courgette and other suitable vegetables

Providing a varied diet is important for maintaining healthy growth, strong colour and overall condition.

Why We Love Them

The L128 Blue Phantom Pleco is one of the most impressive L-number Plecos available.

Their combination of beautiful blue colouration, distinctive spotting and fantastic personality makes them an incredible feature fish, particularly in aquariums with darker backgrounds, rocks and driftwood.

Once settled, they're a fascinating Pleco to watch and can become a real standout in the aquarium.

Product photos are for reference only. As these are live fish, exact size, colour and markings may vary between individuals.