L200a GREEN PHANTOM HI-FIN LARGE12-15CM

L200a Green Phantom Hi-Fin Pleco – Care Guide

Scientific Name: Hemiancistrus subviridis
Common Name: Green Phantom Pleco (Hi-Fin Variant)
L-Number: L200a
Origin: Upper Rio Orinoco basin, Venezuela and Colombia

Overview

The Green Phantom Hi-Fin Pleco is a visually stunning, medium-sized Loricariid known for its deep green body color, yellow accents, and dramatically elongated dorsal fin. This pleco is both peaceful and active, making it an ideal choice for aquarists looking to add a unique bottom-dweller to a large, well-maintained aquarium. Despite its exotic appearance, the L200a is relatively hardy if given the proper environment and diet.

Tank Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons for a juvenile, 75+ gallons for an adult

• Environment Type: River-style setup with moderate to strong flow

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel

• Décor Needs:

  • Rounded rocks and driftwood for cover and grazing

  • Smooth vertical surfaces for resting

  • Caves or crevices for security

  • Strong filtration with oxygenation via air stones or spray bars

• Lighting: Moderate or subdued—prefers shaded areas or indirect light

This species is especially sensitive to poor water flow and stagnant conditions, so water movement and oxygen levels are critical.

Water Conditions

• Temperature: 78–86°F (25.5–30°C)

• pH: 6.2–7.4 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Hardness: 3–10 dGH

• Water Quality Standards:

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

  • Weekly water changes: 30–50%

  • Use dechlorinated or RO-blended water if your tap source is hard

These fish come from pristine rivers with stable parameters — replicating that in captivity is essential to long-term health.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivore (with a preference for plant-based foods)

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking algae wafers

  • Spirulina flakes or pellets

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach, squash)

• Occasional Treats:

  • Bloodworms, brine shrimp (frozen or live)

  • Repashy gel foods like “Soilent Green” or “SuperGreen”

• Feeding Behavior:

  • Most active at night

  • Feed in low-light conditions or after lights out

This pleco grazes on surfaces and substrate, so ensure food sinks quickly and is accessible on the bottom.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful, non-aggressive

• Social Behavior:

  • Can be kept solo or with other peaceful bottom dwellers

  • May spar with other plecos over territory—provide multiple hiding spots

• Compatible Tankmates:

  • Tetras, rasboras, rainbowfish, angelfish, peaceful cichlids, Corydoras

  • Avoid large or aggressive fish that may outcompete them or cause stress

They spend most of their time near the bottom, but won’t disrupt plants or disturb tank décor.

Breeding

• Difficulty: Rare in captivity; considered challenging

• Spawning Triggers:

  • Cooler water changes

  • Simulated seasonal flooding (increase water volume, decrease temperature slightly)

• Breeding Behavior:

  • Males guard eggs in tight-fitting caves

  • Eggs hatch in 6–8 days; fry remain in cave for several days post-hatch

• Fry Care:

  • Feed powdered algae wafers or baby Repashy

  • Require ultra-clean, warm water with stable flow

Breeding is best attempted in species-only tanks with carefully monitored water chemistry.

Health and Maintenance

• Common Issues:

  • Bloating from overfeeding protein-rich foods

  • Skin lesions or fin rot in poor water or low oxygen environments

  • Stress-related hiding or color fading from overcrowding or insufficient décor

• Preventative Tips:

  • Provide constant oxygen and flow

  • Offer a plant-heavy diet

  • Avoid high-nitrate environments

This pleco is hardy when kept under ideal conditions but can decline quickly in unstable or poor water.

Quick Care Facts

Summary

The L200a Green Phantom Hi-Fin Pleco is a showpiece fish that thrives in aquariums with strong water flow, rich oxygen levels, and plenty of hiding spaces. Its high dorsal fin and luminous green coloration make it a standout, but its peaceful temperament and plant-friendly behavior also make it a welcome member of many community tanks. Provide clean water, fresh veggies, and space to explore—and this beautiful pleco will reward you for years.