Green Phantom Pleco

Geographical Origin and L-Number Classification:

Native to northern Venezuela, concentrated in the Orinoco river system and the Rio Ventuari. Fun fact: there are two variants of L200, our *Hemiancistrus subviridis* (the "Green Phantom") and the *Baryancistrus demantoides* (the "Hi-Fin Green Phantom"). They are almost identical, but the Hemiancistrus has an empty space (unconnected) between the large dorsal fin and the small adipose fin near the tail, while in the Baryancistrus they are fused.

Behavior and Territoriality:

Unlike nocturnal and phobic *Hypancistrus*, the Green Phantom is unflappable: it glides in broad daylight along the glass, showing off its bristling armor. It is ruthless towards other giant L-numbers: do not keep it together with an L018 (Gold Nugget) or an L014 (Sunshine Pleco) except in monstrously large tanks (over 800 liters / 200 gallons), as competition for scraping rocks will lead to bloody clashes using interopercular odontodes (lateral razors on the cheeks).

Tank Setup:

Do not attempt to put it in a 100-liter (25-gallon) tank: it will grow to resemble a 20 cm green submarine. It requires a *River Manifold* (fast-flowing river) layout at least 150 cm (5 feet) long. Build solid rock structures with thick, rounded slabs: if the L200 digs under an unstable pile of rocks and they collapse, they will smash the aquarium glass. Use giant directional powerheads to create a swirling flow of water. This movement will help keep the bottom clear of the massive amounts of solid waste it produces and will heavily oxygenate the water, compensating for the high temperatures (26-30°C / 79-86°F) it prefers.

Diet:

The Green Phantom is an omnivore largely oriented towards the plant world. It has a giant sucker mouth designed to plane smooth surfaces. Ideally, you should grow thick blankets of soft algae and diatoms on sun-exposed rocks and let it rasp them off. In the absence of natural algae, it must be stuffed with heavy vegetables: pierce half sweet potatoes, blanched carrots, or large zucchinis with stainless steel nails or forks so they do not float and leave them available. Supplement 2-3 times a week with large shrimp wafers or pieces of mussel for the protein quota.

Water Quality:

The waters of the Orinoco basin are crystal clear. An oversized filtration system (preferably an external sump or dual external canister filters) is mandatory. The water must never stagnate. It is tolerant of pH (6.0 - 7.5) but intolerant of high nitrates, which will cause paleness (the green will become a dull grey) and loss of appetite.