A stunning, vibrant green Loricariid native to the fast-moving rapids of the Orinoco River. Known for its yellowish-green body dotted with light spots. It requires highly oxygenated, warm water with strong flow. While peaceful to mid- and top-dwelling fish, they are heavily armored and fiercely territorial toward other bottom dwellers, especially other plecos. They are also known to chew on broad-leaved plants like Amazon Swords.
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) At a Glance
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) Tank Requirements
Will Green Phantom Pleco (L200) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Green Phantom Pleco (L200) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Green Phantom Pleco (L200) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Green Phantom Pleco (L200) Water Parameters
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Green Phantom Pleco (L200) Temperament & Compatibility
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Adult
The adult form. Produces a massive amount of waste (sawdust from grazing) and requires a large tank with strong water flow, rockwork, and driftwood to establish a territory. Strictly one per tank is recommended to prevent lethal disputes over caves.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult L200, Large Green Phantom
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Small juveniles commonly sold in stores (typically 4-6cm). They are more vulnerable and sensitive to water quality than adults. Will grow rapidly during this phase if provided a high-protein and biofilm-rich diet, requiring prompt tank upgrades.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby L200, Small Green Phantom
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) Care Guide Summary
The Green Phantom Pleco (L200), scientifically known as Hemiancistrus subviridis, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 21 cm and have a depressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Green Phantom Pleco (L200) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 25°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Green Phantom Pleco (L200) is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard / Adult and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Green Phantom Pleco (L200), a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Green Phantom Pleco (L200) is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Green Phantom Pleco (L200).
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Green Phantom Pleco (L200)
How big does Green Phantom Pleco (L200) get?
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) (Hemiancistrus subviridis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 21 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Green Phantom Pleco (L200) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Green Phantom Pleco (L200). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Green Phantom Pleco (L200) need?
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 25–30°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Green Phantom Pleco (L200) peaceful or aggressive?
Green Phantom Pleco (L200) is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Green Phantom Pleco (L200) live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Green Phantom Pleco (L200) should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Green Phantom Pleco (L200) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Green Phantom Pleco (L200) benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Green Phantom Pleco (L200)
These plants pair well with Green Phantom Pleco (L200) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Fish Similar to Green Phantom Pleco (L200)
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
Baryancistrus xanthellus
A stunning, highly sought-after Loricariid native to the fast-flowing, highly oxygenated waters of the Rio Xingu in Brazil. They feature a dark body covered in bright yellow spots with thick yellow seams on their dorsal and caudal fins. They require high temperatures, high water flow, and a diet rich in biofilm, aufwuchs, and fresh vegetables. They are notoriously territorial towards other bottom-dwellers.
Flash Pleco (L204)
Panaqolus albomaculatus
A striking, small loricariid known for its vibrant yellow/white stripes on a dark body. Note: The scientific name 'P. albomaculatus' correctly refers to the Mustard Spot Pleco (LDA31), while the true Flash Pleco is 'P. albivermis'. Both share identical husbandry. As xylophagous (wood-eating) catfish, they absolutely require real driftwood in the aquarium to digest properly and will produce copious amounts of sawdust-like waste.
Peppermint Pleco
Parancistrus nudiventris
An attractive, medium-sized pleco endemic to the warm, fast-moving waters of Brazil's Rio Xingu. Popular for its dark body covered in striking white spots, reminiscent of peppermint candy. Like many Loricariids from this region, they need highly oxygenated water, a varied diet containing both vegetable matter and protein, and plenty of hiding spaces.
Adonis Pleco
Acanthicus adonis
The Adonis Pleco is one of the largest and most formidable loricariids (plecos) in the world. While juveniles display stunning white polka dots on a pitch-black body, these spots fade into a solid dark grey/black as they mature into massive, heavily armored adults with long lyretails. Due to their enormous adult size (up to 1 meter/39 inches) and intense territorial aggression toward other bottom dwellers, they require giant, specialized aquariums or heated indoor ponds.
Zebra Pleco (L046)
Hypancistrus zebra
A highly sought-after, strikingly beautiful black-and-white striped pleco endemic to the fast-flowing Xingu River in Brazil. Unlike common plecostomus, it is primarily carnivorous (a micropredator) and will not clean algae. They are notoriously shy, slow-growing, and require highly oxygenated, warm water with vigorous flow to thrive.
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134)
Peckoltia compta
A highly sought-after, striking yellow and black banded pleco native to the fast-flowing Tapajós river basin in Brazil. They are omnivores that appreciate a balanced diet including meaty foods and wood. Due to their natural habitat, they require warm, highly oxygenated water and plenty of caves or driftwood for hiding.