Blue Phantom Pleco (L128) Care: Appearance, Diet & More 2024

Blue Phantom Pleco (L128) is a beautifully patterned freshwater fish that originates from Venezuela. This pleco is also commonly known by hobbyists as the Blue Phantom Pleco, ice blue pleco, or simply the L128.

It is a member of the Loricariidae family of South American suckermouth catfishes and is closely related to the more common gold nugget pleco (L018). It has a magnificent cobalt blue body with white dots.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about keeping Blue Phantom Plecos in the home aquarium. So, without further ado, let's get started!

Blue Phantom Pleco: Species Summary

Scientific Name:	Hemiancistrus sp. (L128)
Common Name:	L128, Blue Phantom Pleco
Family:	Loricariidae
Color form:	Cobalt blue with white spots
Origin:	Venezuela
Habitat:	Inhabits fast-flowing rivers and tributaries
Size:	5 to 7.5 inches
Lifespan:	Up to 8 years
Temperament:	Mildly aggressive
Tank size:	30 gallons
Water temperature:	68°-78° Fahrenheit
Water type:	Soft to medium hardness (2-12 dGH)
pH range:	6.0-7.5
Specific gravity:	1.000-1.020
Water hardness:	2-12 dGH
Activity Level:	Moderately active
Care Level:	Moderate
Tankmates:	Any Peaceful fish
Compatibility:	Most other freshwater fish
Sexing:	Males have larger pectoral fins
Breeding:	Egg-layers
Diet:	Herbivores

As we briefly mentioned before, the natural habitat of the Blue Phantom Pleco is in fast-flowing rivers and tributaries in Venezuela.

They are found in a variety of habitats, including clear water streams with sandy substrates, murky waters with dense vegetation, and even floodplains during the wet season. The one common denominator between all these habitats is the presence of plenty of hiding places and a diet rich in algae.

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a freshwater fish. They do best in an aquarium with many hiding places and plenty of live plants. These fish are peaceful but can be territorial with other plecos. It is a nocturnal fish, so that it will do most of its feeding at night.

It is sometimes seen as an aggressive fish, but this is usually only when kept with other plecos. The Blue Phantom Pleco is a hardy fish and can live in various water conditions. The cost of a Blue Phantom Pleco can range from $15 to $30. But you can sometimes find them for less if you shop around.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Appearance

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a stunning fish with a cobalt blue body covered in white spots. The fins are also patterned with spots and have a translucent appearance.

The ventral (bottom) fins are long and thin, while the pectoral (top) fins are shorter and wider. Males and females look very similar, although males tend to have larger pectoral fins and a more pointed ventral fin.

They are sometimes confused with the closely related Gold Nugget Pleco (L018). Both species have a similar body shape and coloration, but the Blue Phantom Pleco is smaller and has more distinct spots.

The mouth of the Blue Phantom Pleco is designed for grazing on algae and other plant matter; it has suckermouth lips. They have two pairs of barbels (whisker-like appendages) on their upper jaw, which they use to help them find food.

These fish are known as 'armored catfish' because their bodies are covered in tough bony plates. These plates protect predators and help the fish blend in with their surroundings.

These fish have special cells in their skin that allow them to change color. They use this ability to match their surroundings and communicate with other plecos.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Size & Growth Rate

The size of a full-grown Blue Phantom Pleco can range from 5 to 7.5 inches, although specimens up to 8 inches have been reported.

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a slow-growing fish, reaching maturity at around 2 years. They can grow up to 1 inch per year in the wild, but in captivity, this growth rate is often slowed due to less-than-ideal conditions.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Blue Phantom Pleco in captivity is 5 to 8 years, although some have been known to live for 10 years or more with proper care. However, the typical lifespan in the wild is much shorter, only 2 to 3 years.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Breeding

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a mouthbrooder. This means the female will carry the eggs in her mouth until they hatch. The female will usually lay between 20 to 50 eggs.

Once the eggs are laid, the male will fertilize them. The female will then pick up the eggs in her mouth and hold them there until they hatch. This process usually takes about two weeks.

Once the fry has hatched, it will be released into the tank. The fry is tiny and will need to be fed live food. As they grow, they can be fed pellets or flakes.

They are not difficult to breed in the aquarium. However, it is important to provide them with good water quality and a healthy diet.

If you are interested in breeding your Blue Phantom Plecos, be sure to ask your veterinarian or a qualified aquarium professional for more information.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Behavior & Temperament

The Blue Phantom Pleco is generally a peaceful fish as long as other fish are not bullying it.

At first, they can be shy, but they will eventually become more comfortable and active.

They are not known to be aggressive towards other fish, but they may eat smaller fish if they are able to fit them in their mouths.

It will turn aggressive towards other plecos if it feels that its territory is being threatened.

The Blue Phantom Pleco enjoys a high level of activity, and it will often swim in the middle or top of the tank. You will often see them grazing on algae and other plant matter.

It is a good addition to most community tanks.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Food & Diet

Because the Blue Phantom Pleco is herbivore, in the wild, they will primarily consume algae and other plant matter.

In the aquarium, they can be fed a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, and vegetables.

It will feed off algae in the tank, and it is not necessary to supplement its diet with algae wafers or other similar products.

It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure that the pleco receives all of its nutrients.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Diet Foods To Avoid

There are a few foods that you should avoid feeding your pleco.

Some of the foods to avoid include:

• Meat
• Cheese
• Bread
• Fruit

These foods can cause digestive problems and other health issues.

It is important only to feed plecos food specifically designed for them.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Feeding Schedule

The Blue Phantom Pleco should be fed 2-3 times per day.

They will usually eat all of the food that they can find, so it is important only to feed them as much as they can consume in a few minutes.

Overfeeding can lead to problems such as obesity and digestive issues.

Also, uneaten food can pollute the water and lead to problems with water quality.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Care

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a hardy fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. They are relatively easy to fish to care for, making them good for beginner aquarists.

When keeping Blue Phantom Plecos in an aquarium, it is important to provide them with plenty of hiding places. These fish are shy and need a place to retreat when they feel threatened.

Driftwood, caves, and rocks can all be used to create hiding places. Be sure to arrange the decorations in such a way that there are plenty of hiding places for all the fish in the aquarium.

They are mostly nocturnal, so that they will do most of their feeding at night. In the wild, they graze on algae and other plant matter.

It is important to provide these fish with a variety of food to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.

They are peaceful fish, but they can be territorial with other plecos. It is best to keep them in a tank with other peaceful fish. If you are keeping multiple plecos in the same aquarium, be sure to provide plenty of hiding places to reduce aggression.

Here we will go over everything you need to know about caring for your Blue Phantom Pleco, including:

Blue Phantom Pleco: Tank Size

The minimum tank size for a Blue Phantom Pleco is 30 gallons. However, a larger tank is always better. These fish are active and need plenty of room to swim. They also produce a lot of waste, so a larger tank will help to keep the water quality high.

When setting up your tank, be sure to use a good filter. A canister filter is ideal, but an over-the-back power filter will also work. Be sure to choose a filter rated for at least twice the size of your tank.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Water Parameters

The Blue Phantom Pleco is native to slow-moving rivers and streams in South America. They are used to warm temperatures and soft, acidic water in the wild.

In captivity, these fish can adapt to a range of water conditions.

They will do best in an aquarium with the following parameters:

• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Temperature: 68°-78° Fahrenheit
• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: 0ppm
• The water hardness should be in the range of 2-12 dGH.

It is best to use a water conditioner when setting up your tank. This will help remove any harmful chemicals from the water and make it safe for your fish.

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a sensitive fish and can be easily stressed by changes in water conditions. It is important to test the water regularly and make any necessary adjustments slowly.

Adding new fish to the tank should also be done slowly, over a period of days or weeks. This will give the fish time to adjust to their new surroundings and reduce the risk of stress.

They are sensitive to high levels of copper, so be sure to use a water conditioner that does not contain copper. Copper can be found in some tap water and medications used to treat fish diseases.

If you are unsure whether tap water contains copper, it is best to have it tested before using it in your aquarium.

Filtration

As we mentioned before, the Blue Phantom Pleco is a sensitive fish and can be easily stressed by changes in water conditions. A good filter is essential for keeping the water quality high and reducing stress.

A good filter can also help remove any harmful chemicals from the water. Be sure to choose a filter rated for at least twice the size of your tank.

Some recommended filters for a 50-gallon tank include:

• The Fluval FX6
• The Eheim 2217
• The AquaClear 700

Whichever filter you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully before setting it up. It is also a good idea to have a spare filter on hand in emergencies.

Heating

The Blue Phantom Pleco is native to warm rivers and streams in South America. In the wild, they are used to temperatures in the range of 72°-82°Fahrenheit.

In captivity, these fish can adapt to a range of water conditions. However, they will do best in an aquarium at 68°-78° Fahrenheit.

If your home is not naturally warm enough to maintain this temperature, you need to use an aquarium heater. Be sure to choose a heater that is rated for at least twice the size of your tank.

Some recommended heaters for a 50-gallon tank include:

• The Fluval Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater
• The Aqueon Pro Submersible Heater
• The Tetra AquaSafe Heater

Whichever heater you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully before setting it up. It is also a good idea to have a spare heater on hand in case of emergencies.

Plants

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a peaceful fish that does well with a variety of tank mates. They are not known to bother other fish or plants in the aquarium.

In fact, they can help to keep the tank clean by grazing on algae. They will also enjoy hiding among the plants in the aquarium.

Some recommended plants for a 50-gallon tank include:

• Java fern
• Anubias
• Bolbitis

Whichever plants you choose, be sure to research their care requirements before adding them to your tank.

Lighting

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a nocturnal fish that prefers low light levels. They would spend most of their time hiding in dark caves or under rocks in the wild.

In captivity, they will still prefer low levels of light. However, they will also appreciate some plants for hiding and grazing in their tank.

If you plan on keeping plants in your tank, you will need to provide them with enough light to grow. For a 50-gallon tank, we recommend using a fluorescent fixture with two T8 bulbs.

If you do not plan on keeping plants in your tank, you can get away with using a lower-wattage bulb. For a 50-gallon tank, we recommend using a fluorescent fixture with one T8 bulb.

Whichever light you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully before setting it up. It is also a good idea to have a spare light on hand in case of emergencies.

Co2 Systems

If you plan on keeping plants in your tank, you will need to provide them with a source of carbon dioxide (CO2). This can be done with a pressurized CO2 system or a DIY CO2 system.

• Pressurized CO2 Systems: These systems are relatively easy to use and maintain. They come with everything you need to start, including a CO2 regulator, a CO2 tank, and tubing.
• DIY CO2 Systems: These systems are less expensive than pressurized CO2 systems, but they require more work to set up and maintain.

You will need to purchase a CO2 generator, a yeast culture, a sugar solution, and tubing.

Whichever system you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully before setting it up. It is also a good idea to have a spare CO2 system in emergencies.

Substrate

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a peaceful fish that does not require a sand substrate. In fact, they will do just fine in a tank with gravel or rocks. If you choose to use sand, be sure to choose a type that is safe for aquariums.

Some recommended types of sand include:

• Aragonite Sand: This is natural and chemically inert sand safe for aquariums. It is also pH balanced and helps to maintain water quality.
• Blasting Sand: This is man-made sand that is safe for aquariums. It is also very affordable and can be found at most hardware stores.

Whichever type of sand you choose, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before adding it to your tank.

Decorations

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a peaceful fish that does not require special decorations. In fact, they will do just fine in a tank with rocks and plants. If you choose decorations, be sure to choose ones that are safe for aquariums.

Some recommended types of decorations include:

• Driftwood
• Rocks
• Plastic Plants

Whichever type of decoration you choose, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before adding it to your tank.

Water Conditioners

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a peaceful fish that does not require special water conditions. In fact, they will do just fine in a tank with regular tap water. However, we recommend using a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other toxins from the water.

Some recommended types of water conditioners include:

• AquaSafe
• Prime

Whichever type of water conditioner you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully before adding it to your tank.

Other Tank Accessories

There are a few other things that you will need to get for your tanks, such as an air pump, a Ph meter, and an Aquarium thermometer.

• Air Pump
• PH Meter
• Aquarium Thermometer

Water Changes

Water changes are essential for keeping your fish healthy and happy. We recommend doing a water change of 20-30% once every week. By changing the water, you are removing toxins and other harmful chemicals from the water. This helps to keep your fish healthy and reduces the risk of illness.

When changing the water, be sure to:

• Remove any uneaten food from the tank.
• Remove any decorations that have become dirty.
• Vacuum the gravel to remove any waste.
• Rinse the filter media in the old tank of water.
• Refill the tank with fresh, treated water.

Cleaning The Tank

In addition to water changes, you will also need to clean the tank on a regular basis. This helps to remove algae and other build-ups from the tank. We recommend cleaning the tank every 2-3 weeks.

When cleaning the tank, be sure to:

• Remove all of the fish from the tank.
• Remove all of the decorations from the tank.
• Vacuum the gravel to remove any waste.
• Rinse the filter media in the old tank of water.
• Wash the tank with a bar of mild soap and warm water.
• Refill the tank with fresh, treated water.

Cleaning The Filter

The filter is an important part of the tank, and it should be cleaned on a regular basis. This helps to remove algae and other build-ups from the filter. We recommend cleaning the filter every 2-3 weeks.

When cleaning the filter, be sure to:

• Remove the filter media from the filter.
• Rinse the filter media in the old tank water.
• Wash the filter with a bar of mild soap and warm water.
• Refill the filter with fresh, treated water.

Testing The Water

It is important to test the water on a regular basis. This helps to ensure that the water is safe for your fish. We recommend testing the water once a week.

When testing the water, be sure to:

• Use a reliable test kit.
• Test the pH of the water.
• Test the ammonia levels in the water.
• Test the nitrate levels in the water.
• Test the nitrate levels in the water.

Common Possible Diseases

There are a few diseases that are common in fish. These diseases can be caused by a number of things, such as poor water quality, stress, or a lack of nutrition.

Some of the most common diseases include:

• Fin Rot: This is a disease that causes the fins to rot. It is usually caused by poor water quality or stress.

Symptoms of the disease:

• Fins become frayed or start to disintegrate.
• Fish may become lethargic.
• Fish may stop eating.

• Ich: This is a disease that causes white spots to appear on the fish. It is usually caused by poor water quality or stress.

Symptoms of the disease:

• White spots appear on the fish.
• Fish may become lethargic.
• Fish may stop eating.

• Columnaris: This is a disease that causes ulcers to form in fish. It is usually caused by poor water quality or stress.

Symptoms of the disease:

• Ulcers form on the fish
• Fish may become lethargic
• Fish may stop eating

Blue Phantom Pleco: Preventing Disease

There are a few things that you can do to prevent disease in your fish.

Some of the things that you can do include:

• Maintaining proper water quality
• Providing a healthy diet
• Reducing stress
• Quarantining new fish

Adding New Fish

When adding new fish to your tank, it is important to quarantine them. This helps to ensure that they are healthy and free of disease.

To quarantine new fish, you will need to:

• Set up a separate tank for the new fish
• Add the new fish to the tank
• Test the water quality in the tank
• Monitor the fish for signs of disease

Blue Phantom Pleco: Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

There are a few medications that you can use to treat fish diseases.

Some of the most common medications include:

• Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections.
• Fungicides: These are used to treat fungal infections.
• Virucides: These are used to treat viral infections.
• Anti-parasitic medications: These are used to treat parasitic infections.

When using medications, be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

It is also important to note that some medications are not safe for invertebrates or plants.

If you are not sure if a medication is safe for your fish, be sure to ask your veterinarian or a qualified aquarium professional.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Tank Mates

The Blue Phantom Pleco will get along with most fish. They are not known to be aggressive, and they will usually leave other fish alone.

Some of the best tank mates for the Blue Phantom Pleco include:

• Guppies
• Mollies
• Platies
• Swordtails
• Tetras

Avoid putting them in a tank with larger fish, as they may eat the Blue Phantom Pleco. Also, avoid pairing them with another Blue Phantom Pleco, as they may become aggressive towards each other.

Blue Phantom Pleco: Fish To Avoid

• Bettas
• Goldfish
• Columbian Sharks
• Surgeon fish

These fish are either too aggressive or too large to be kept with the Blue Phantom Pleco.

Advantages Of Having Blue Phantom Pleco In Your Tank

The first advantage is that they are excellent algae eaters. They will help to keep your tank clean and free of algae.

Another advantage is that they are generally peaceful fish. They will not bother other fish in the tank, and they can even be kept with smaller fish.

Finally, Blue Phantom Plecos are relatively easy to care for. They are not difficult to breed and do not require special care or attention.

Disadvantages Of Having Blue Phantom Pleco In Your Tank

One disadvantage is that they can be shy at first. It may take them a while to come out of their hiding places and become comfortable in the tank.

Another disadvantage is that they are not as widely available as other pleco species. They may be difficult to find at your local fish store.

Finally, Blue Phantom Plecos are not the best choice for beginners. They require good water quality and a healthy diet. If you are not prepared to provide them with these things, they may not do well in your tank.

Wrapping Up

The Blue Phantom Pleco is a great addition to most tanks. They are peaceful fish that will help to keep your tank clean. They are also relatively easy to care for and breed.

If you are looking for a pleco that is not too difficult to care for, the Blue Phantom Pleco is good.

I hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

Thanks for reading!