Hi-fin green phantom pleco

Baryancistrus demantoides

Also known as L200 hi-fin, Demantoides pleco, L200 hi-fin green phantom pleco

FreshwaterFish

Hi-fin green phantom pleco (Baryancistrus demantoides) — The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature: 77–84°F (25–29°C)
pH: 5.5–7.0
Adult size: 7.1 in (18 cm)
Minimum tank: 79 gal (300 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Upper Orinoco and Ventuari, Venezuela
Family: Loricariidae

Overview

Keep this showy green pleco on its own, as one fish per tank; it is peaceful toward other species but scraps with its own kind over territory. It spends the day gripping smooth rock and grazing the film of algae and biofilm, raising its tall dorsal fin when a rival passes. Because it grazes this aufwuchs, it needs a steady supply of vegetable matter, algae wafers, and blanched greens, with only occasional protein. It suits a warm, oxygen-rich tank with open rock. Give it at least 300 liters with smooth stone, current, and soft water.

In the wild

It is found only around the meeting of the Orinoco and Ventuari rivers in Amazonas, Venezuela, warm shallows running over granite slabs and boulders. Recreate that with smooth rock, brisk oxygenated flow, and soft, warm water. Keep it hot, around 25 to 29 C, with a low pH of 5.5 to 7.0. It grazes the biofilm that grows on sunlit stone, so give it open, well-lit rock to work.

Good to know

Baryancistrus demantoides is a loricariid reaching about 18 centimeters, olive to yellow-green with pale cream spots and a tall dorsal fin joined to the adipose by an extended membrane. The genus name means heavy Ancistrus, and the species name points to the green demantoid garnet. As a cave spawner, its breeding is rated moderate.

Did you know

The code L200 covers two different fish from two different genera: the standard green phantom is Hemiancistrus subviridis, while this taller-finned version is Baryancistrus demantoides. One trade number, two species.

Tank mates

Hi-fin green phantom pleco is a peaceful, solitary species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.