Green phantom pleco

Hemiancistrus subviridis

Olive-green with lemon spots and separate dorsal and adipose fins.

Adult length: Up to 14.9 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 22–25 °C
Lifespan: 10–15 years
pH: 6.5–7.2

Natural habitat: Usually found in cracks and gaps among granite rocks in flowing water.

Keep at 22–25°C and pH 6.5–7.2, in warm, soft to moderately hard water.

Appearance and identification

Adults range from olive-green to mustard-yellow, with pale yellow spots on the head, forebody and fins. The names green phantom and L200 are also used for the similar Baryancistrus demantoides. H. subviridis lacks the membrane connecting dorsal and adipose fins.

Aquarium environment

A plant-based diet does not make every aquarium plant or ornamental shrimp safe. Retain refuges and places to deliver food directly.

Diet and feeding

Mainly plant-based feeding, with tablets, mosquito larvae and brine shrimp as additions. Provide regular suitable food rather than treating it as an algae-powered cleaner.

Same-species behaviour

Provide refuges; it lives in rock crevices in flowing water.

Sources