Freshwater
Pleco
More details
Blue Phantom Plecostomus (Hemiancistrus)
Pro
Pro
Description
A visually striking Loricariid, the Blue Phantom sports a deep slate-blue body scattered with glowing white to aqua spots. It's a peaceful bottom-dweller prized for both aesthetics and utility in algae control within South American biotopes.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Blue Phantom Plecostomus (Hemiancistrus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs stable water, hiding spots, and a varied diet beyond algae. Hardy but requires proper tank setup.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Some wild collection from Colombia persists, but captive-bred individuals are increasingly available.
Origin
Found in the fast-flowing Orinoco River basin, especially in Colombia and parts of Venezuela. Prefers rocky, oxygen-rich freshwater habitats.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its unique blue coloration and fine, white spotting make it one of the most beautiful plecos available. It clings to hardscape, often perching motionless or slowly rasping algae. Nocturnal but will emerge during the day if secure.
Purpose
Helps with biofilm and algae control on wood and hardscape. Provides natural movement along the bottom zone and complements driftwood-based layouts with functional cleanup behavior.
Importance
A favorite for aquascapers seeking subtle motion and rare coloration. Offers algae management without disrupting plants. Its calm nature makes it a suitable addition to peaceful communities.
Included Resources
Requires driftwood, caves, or rock structures for shelter. Needs strong aeration and consistent water quality. Works best with sponge filters or canisters with surface agitation. Sand or rounded gravel substrate is ideal.
Best Use Cases
Thrives in South American biotopes, Amazon-themed layouts, and driftwood-heavy planted tanks. Compatible with peaceful tankmates that occupy the mid and upper columns.
Conservation Context
Still occasionally exported from the wild. Whenever possible, seek tank-raised individuals to reduce pressure on native populations in Colombia's Orinoco basin.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Tetras (rummy nose, cardinal, ember)
• Hatchetfish and pencilfish
• Corydoras and peaceful loaches
• Livebearers (if not too boisterous)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 4.5794° N
• Longitude: -74.2973° W
(Middle Orinoco River, Colombia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 7.1150° N
• Longitude: -65.5306° W
(Upper Orinoco tributaries, Venezuela)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Blue Phantom Plecostomus (Hemiancistrus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs stable water, hiding spots, and a varied diet beyond algae. Hardy but requires proper tank setup.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Some wild collection from Colombia persists, but captive-bred individuals are increasingly available.
Origin
Found in the fast-flowing Orinoco River basin, especially in Colombia and parts of Venezuela. Prefers rocky, oxygen-rich freshwater habitats.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its unique blue coloration and fine, white spotting make it one of the most beautiful plecos available. It clings to hardscape, often perching motionless or slowly rasping algae. Nocturnal but will emerge during the day if secure.
Purpose
Helps with biofilm and algae control on wood and hardscape. Provides natural movement along the bottom zone and complements driftwood-based layouts with functional cleanup behavior.
Importance
A favorite for aquascapers seeking subtle motion and rare coloration. Offers algae management without disrupting plants. Its calm nature makes it a suitable addition to peaceful communities.
Included Resources
Requires driftwood, caves, or rock structures for shelter. Needs strong aeration and consistent water quality. Works best with sponge filters or canisters with surface agitation. Sand or rounded gravel substrate is ideal.
Best Use Cases
Thrives in South American biotopes, Amazon-themed layouts, and driftwood-heavy planted tanks. Compatible with peaceful tankmates that occupy the mid and upper columns.
Conservation Context
Still occasionally exported from the wild. Whenever possible, seek tank-raised individuals to reduce pressure on native populations in Colombia's Orinoco basin.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Tetras (rummy nose, cardinal, ember)
• Hatchetfish and pencilfish
• Corydoras and peaceful loaches
• Livebearers (if not too boisterous)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 4.5794° N
• Longitude: -74.2973° W
(Middle Orinoco River, Colombia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 7.1150° N
• Longitude: -65.5306° W
(Upper Orinoco tributaries, Venezuela)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Blue Phantom Plecostomus (Hemiancistrus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs stable water, hiding spots, and a varied diet beyond algae. Hardy but requires proper tank setup.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Some wild collection from Colombia persists, but captive-bred individuals are increasingly available.
Origin
Found in the fast-flowing Orinoco River basin, especially in Colombia and parts of Venezuela. Prefers rocky, oxygen-rich freshwater habitats.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its unique blue coloration and fine, white spotting make it one of the most beautiful plecos available. It clings to hardscape, often perching motionless or slowly rasping algae. Nocturnal but will emerge during the day if secure.
Purpose
Helps with biofilm and algae control on wood and hardscape. Provides natural movement along the bottom zone and complements driftwood-based layouts with functional cleanup behavior.
Importance
A favorite for aquascapers seeking subtle motion and rare coloration. Offers algae management without disrupting plants. Its calm nature makes it a suitable addition to peaceful communities.
Included Resources
Requires driftwood, caves, or rock structures for shelter. Needs strong aeration and consistent water quality. Works best with sponge filters or canisters with surface agitation. Sand or rounded gravel substrate is ideal.
Best Use Cases
Thrives in South American biotopes, Amazon-themed layouts, and driftwood-heavy planted tanks. Compatible with peaceful tankmates that occupy the mid and upper columns.
Conservation Context
Still occasionally exported from the wild. Whenever possible, seek tank-raised individuals to reduce pressure on native populations in Colombia's Orinoco basin.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Tetras (rummy nose, cardinal, ember)
• Hatchetfish and pencilfish
• Corydoras and peaceful loaches
• Livebearers (if not too boisterous)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 4.5794° N
• Longitude: -74.2973° W
(Middle Orinoco River, Colombia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 7.1150° N
• Longitude: -65.5306° W
(Upper Orinoco tributaries, Venezuela)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Blue Phantom Plecostomus (Hemiancistrus)
Region
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