Here’s a focused care guide for the L200a Pleco, often called the High Fin Green Phantom Pleco—a variant of the L200 group with a taller dorsal fin and golden to green coloration.
L200a High Fin Green Phantom Pleco Care Guide
Common Names:
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High Fin Green Phantom Pleco
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L200a Pleco
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Golden Green Pleco (informal)
Scientific Name: Baryancistrus demantoides
Origin: Fast-flowing areas of the upper Orinoco River, Venezuela
Size: 7–8 inches (18–20 cm)
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Temperament: Peaceful but territorial with similar bottom dwellers
Tank Setup
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Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum for an adult
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Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel
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Decor:
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Smooth rocks for grazing and shelter
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Rounded caves or crevices
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Some driftwood (optional—less for diet, more for structure)
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Plants: Plant-safe, especially with hardy or floating plants
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Lighting: Low to moderate; prefers shaded areas
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 80–86°F (27–30°C)
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pH: 6.0–7.2
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–10 dGH)
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Flow: Strong current—mimic river conditions
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Oxygenation: High—add powerheads, spray bars, or air stones
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Water Changes: 40–50% weekly
Diet
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Feeding Style: Omnivorous with herbivorous lean
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Staple Foods:
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Algae wafers and sinking omnivore pellets
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Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, sweet potato)
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Occasional frozen protein (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; don’t overfeed protein
Behavior & Tankmates
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Activity: Nocturnal but may become more visible in dim setups
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Temperament: Peaceful with tankmates; may defend territory from other plecos
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Compatible Tankmates:
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Peaceful tetras, rasboras, angelfish, rainbowfish, apistos
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Avoid: Other plecos or catfish competing for the same space
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Territory: Provide plenty of hides to spread out aggression
Breeding
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In Captivity: Very rare
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Spawning Type: Cave spawner
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Requirements: Strong oxygenation, stable warm water, clean conditions
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Fry Care: Male may guard eggs; fry feed on biofilm, then soft vegetable and fry foods
Care Tips
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Needs strong water movement and high oxygen levels
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Sensitive to poor water quality—watch nitrates and oxygen
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Not a wood-eater like other Panaques, so driftwood is optional
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Provide secure hiding places—they like tight, shaded spots
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A cooling fan or chiller may be needed to maintain high temp in hot climates
Let me know if you'd like a side-by-side comparison with L200 (Hemiancistrus variant) or a care card format to keep by the tank.
