The Great Freshwater Algae Eaters in Tropical Tanks: Green Phantom Pleco
The GreatFreshwater Algae Eaters in Tropical Tanks: Green Phantom Pleco – Greek, hemi = the half. While the Greek,
agkistron = hook, is thought to be the cause of the term ancistrus,
hemiancistrus might be taken to mean that these species have a part (not just
HALF) of the features of the genus Ancistrus, although not all the characteristics.
This specific epithet describes its olive green colour in life.
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The Great Freshwater Algae Eaters in Tropical Tanks: Green Phantom Pleco
The green colour form of
the fish can only really be confused with Baryancistrus demantoides. The key to
tell these two apart is the dorsal fin and the adipose fin are linked in
Baryancistrus species, and divided in the this species.
Ranges in colouration
from blueish green to yellowish green (which correlates to how far south on the
Rio Orinoco the fish was gathered). Body and head spots are varying within
these colour forms.
Might function as the
same species as L128.The green colour form of this fish can only actually be
confused with Baryancistrus demantoides. The secret to tell these two apart is
that the adipose fin and the dorsal fin are linked in Baryancistrus species,
and divided in the this species.
Serving Diet
Gut analyses of wild
specimens revealed the contents to be composed of a ‘mixed brownish orgamic and
mineral matrix’, within which only strands of filamentous alga may be
identified. This implies the species feeds by scraping periphyton and sediment
from submerged surfaces.
Aquarium Size
This moderate-sized
Loricarid favors a dimly lit tank with a good number of hiding places, either
created with plants, drift wood, stone or manufactured (pleco spawning) caves.
To keep greater than one adult specimen in exactly the same tank, or jointly
with other bottom dwelling fish, you need at least a 48x20" (120x50cm.)
Tank or bigger: it could be aggressive towards other bottom dwellers when
appropriate hiding places are lacking, and this fish can be very territorial.
When kept as only catfish within an aquarium, a tank size of 40x16"
(100x40cm.)
Behavior and Compatibility
Juveniles are
comparatively peaceful but males in particular become increasingly intolerant
of conspecifics as they age, and typically respond harshly towards any other fish
viewed as a menace that is territorial.
It's thus best kept
alongside species that inhabit other areas of the tank, with medium-to-large
sized characids especially acceptable. A group can be maintained in larger
aquaria provided sufficient territorial space is available when laying out the
décor and visual impediments considered.
Suggested Tankmates
This fish is a great
pleco for a community tank as it is going to adjust to less feverish water
states. Should you choose to want to attempt quicker water, silver dollars and
Semaprochilodus characins of various kinds are a great option for mid-water
companions.
Reproduction
This cavern-spawning
species was bred in the home aquarium. Use PVC conduits or give a selection of
narrow caves built in the rockwork /clay reproduction tubes. Anticipate the
eggs to hatch within 3-5 days (temperature dependent).
Added information'
Among hobbyists, this
species is referred to as L200, which, despite a superb quantity of likenesses,
isn't the identical species als the 'Hi-Fin'-variant. Both varieties are found
in the same place and originally believed to be the same species. L200 was
scientifically described, and a seperation was made between the two different
kinds. The species depicted here, with a regular dorsal fin, is Hemiancistrus
subviridis (which is more closely linked to the up to this day undescribed L128
Blue Phantom Pleco, additionally a Hemiancistrus-species), and the form using
the very high, shark-like dorsal fin, is Baryancistrus demantoides.
