The Blue Phantom Pleco (L128 pleco) is a stunningly beautiful freshwater fish native to the sandy-bottomed deep waters of Brazil’s Rio Orinoco River.
With their striking light blue and black markings and tranquil behavior, phantom blue plecos are treasured by experienced aquarists and beginners fish keepers alike as an ideal addition to any aquarium.
Although they can be delicate specimens in certain conditions if, given the right environment paired with proper water quality maintenance, this catfish species can live up to 10 years or longer!
Here we take an in-depth look at the phantom blue pleco facts – from their size, price range, and care requirements to disease prevention strategies, so you get all the information needed for making these incredibly cool tropical fish part of fish keepers underwater sanctuary.
How Big Do Blue Phantom Plecos Get?
L128 Blue Phantom Pleco Size:
How big does a blue phantom pleco get? Blue phantom pleco adult size generally ranges from 4 – 5 inches, although some have been known to reach 7 inches in length.
The Blue Phantom pleco (L-244) is a species of armored catfish native to regions of South America and one of the most popular types of tropical aquarium fish.
They are other pleco species with a unique pattern and blueish coloring, making them quite popular among aquarists.
Regarding size, the Blue Phantom Pleco typically reaches around 7 inches in length as adults; however, there have been some reports that they may grow larger.
These fishes can live up to 10 years if well cared for with proper nutrition and conditions in the tank, making them excellent long-term companions for any aquarist who wishes to keep them.
As far as requirements go when it comes to tanks, these fishes need plenty of swimming room since they’re fairly active and enjoy having caves, green plants, or hiding spots available as well.
Overall these hardy little algae eater fish make great additions to any freshwater fish aquarium setup with proper care given – be sure not to check how big blue phantom plecos get before purchasing so you know what kind of preparations you’ll need ahead!
Are Blue Phantom Plecos Aggressive?
The L128 hemiancistrus sp. Blue Phantom is a peaceful species and generally gets along with most other fish. They are not typically seen as aggressive but territorial and may become aggressive toward other plecos.
Male phantom blue plecos are known to be quite territorial when competing with other males of their species. These fish may become defensive and even aggressive to protect what belongs solely to them!
It is also recommended that, if multiple plecos are kept in the same tank, it should be large community aquariums for them to establish their territories and have room for swimming.
In terms of community tank mates, it is best to avoid keeping plecos with overly aggressive species, such as cichlids and other predators, as they may become stressed or even attacked.
L128 Blue Phantom Pleco Tank Mates:
What Fish Can I Keep With phantom blue pleco? The Blue Phantom Pleco (L128) is a peaceful species and can be kept in most community tanks.
Since they are relatively slow-moving, it’s best to avoid keeping them with overly active or aggressive fish as they may become stressed out.
It is also important to remember that when it comes to tank mates, these plecos should be kept from larger fish as they may view them as predators or become food for the bigger species.
Good tank mates for blue phantoms include other peaceful bottom dwellers such as Bristlenose Pleco, Corydoras Catfish, and Otocinclus Catfish and other peaceful community fish like tetras and rasboras.
It is also important to note that blue phantoms should not be kept with goldfish, as goldfish are cold-water species and may cause stress to tropical species.
Do Blue Phantom Plecos Eat Wood?
Yes, blue phantom plecos do eat wood. In the wild, they are scavengers and have adapted to feed on dead or decaying pieces of wood and other debris.
In-home aquariums, the phantom blue pleco is considered good algae-eating catfish and can help keep the tank clean and eat algae from surfaces and ingest decay or dead matter, such as wood.
It is important to note that Plecostomus blue phantom should not be kept in tanks with any soft or rotting wood, as this can cause sickness or even death. It is also recommended that you provide them with plenty of driftwood and rocks for their natural habitat.
Ultimately, blue phantoms make great additions to any home aquarium with the right conditions and care given.
With the right environment and proper water quality maintenance, these flat head catfish family species can live up to 10 years and bring a unique and beautiful addition to any tank.
What Do Phantom Plecos Eat?
Male or female blue phantom pleco diet generally consists of protein-rich foods like blood worms, brine shrimp, and blackworms.
Blue phantom pleco enjoys eating spirulina flakes, sinking pellets, and other freshwater fish foods. They should be offered a variety of foods to ensure they get all the nutrients they need for optimal growth and health.
In addition to their normal diet, plecos may also benefit from occasional snacks such as cucumber or zucchini slices.
Blue Phantom Pleco Life Span:
The pleco blue phantom has a fairly long lifespan, usually around 10 to 12 years in captivity when given the proper care and conditions.
However, like most fish species, blue phantom pleco lifespan can be affected by the quality of their environment, the nutrition they are provided with, and the stress levels they are exposed to.
Therefore, aquarists need to provide these plecos with the right tank setup, nutrition, and general care to ensure they have the happiest and longest possible life!
How to Care for a Blue Phantom Pleco L128?
Many people want to know how to take care of a Blue Phantom Pleco L128 but need more time or knowledge.
Caring for a Blue Phantom Pleco can be difficult, as they are delicate freshwater fish that require specific water conditions and food.
This video care guide will show you How to Care for a Blue Phantom Pleco L128, what water parameters they need, and what type of food is best for them.
Blue Phantom Pleco Temperature and PH
The ideal temperature for a Blue Phantom Pleco is 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit and the ideal pH level should be around 6.5-7.
It is important to maintain the temperature range and pH of your tank for these fish to thrive and be healthy, as sudden changes can cause illnesses or even death.
In addition to this, regular water changes are necessary to ensure the tank stays clean and healthy for all inhabitants, as well as adding air stones and an air pump to protect them from any diseases or parasites.
It is also important to provide plenty of hiding places for your pleco, like caves or roots, to give them a sense of security and keep their stress levels low.
L128 blue phantom pleco Diseases
Blue phantom plecos may become susceptible to certain diseases like other fish species due to poor water conditions, overcrowding, or nutrition.
Common diseases in these fish include white dots disease, bacterial infections, and Hole-in-the-Head Disease. It is important to keep the tank clean and well-maintained to prevent such illnesses.
Regular water changes should be done every week or two, and all fish should be fed a balanced diet to keep them healthy.
Suppose you notice any illness or distress in your Blue Phantom Pleco. In that case, it is important to immediately isolate them in a quarantine tank from the other fish and treat them accordingly. This can prevent the spread of infection to other fish in the tank.
How to Breed Blue Phantom Pleco? (Breeding Blue Phantom Plecos)
Breeding plecos can be daunting, but with the right information, it can be easy.
There are a lot of different opinions out there on how to breed plecos and a lot of false information. Who should I trust?
This video tutorial breaks down the process step-by-step so that you can easily breed your own blue phantoms. We cover everything from setting up the tank to choosing the right mate.
Can I Keep Two Blue Phantom Plecos Together?
It is possible to keep two Blue Phantom Plecos together. However, the tank should be large enough (at least 75 gallons), and there should be no other fish.
These plecos are peaceful fish and generally do not fight with each other, but they must have plenty of space as they can reach up to 8 inches in length.
So if you have the proper blue phantom pleco tank size and conditions, two blue phantoms can live peacefully together!
Blue Phantom Pleco Price:
How much do plecos cost? Pleco fish price: Blue phantom pleco for sale can range from $30 to $60, depending on the size and quality of the pleco.
These fish can be found in pet stores or online; however, it is important to research before buying a pleco blue phantom, as many companies are selling fake or hybrid plecos.
It is also important to note that these plecos can be difficult to care for, so ensure you are properly equipped and knowledgeable before purchasing one.
Conclusion
L128 Pleco is one of the most popular plecos among aquarium hobbyists. They are known for their beautiful blue coloration and their relatively peaceful temperament. The Blue Phantom Pleco is a great choice if you’re looking for a pleco that will add some beauty to your tank. However, phantom blue pleco can be prone to diseases, so it’s important to research before adding one to your tank.
You might also like
- Green Phantom Pleco L200: A Complete Guide (For Beginners)
- Can You Mix Different Types of Cory Catfish? Is It Possible?
- Punctatus Cory Catfish: Care, Diet, Lifespan & More
- Gold Laser Cory Catfish: Size, Lifespan, Breeding & (More)
- Do Cory Catfish Eat Algae? Top 10 Best Algae Eaters (List)
- Cory Catfish Care – Types, Diet, Lifespan & Tankmates (FAQ)
- Ultimate Rubber Lip Plecos Care Guide: Price, Size & More
