The Ancistrinae Gen. Sp. L128 4-6cm Wild(Ancistrinae gen. sp. L128), also known as the "Blue Phantom Pleco", is a wild loricariid with a dark body dotted with blue-green spots. Offered here in a size of 4-6 cm (young wild specimens), it is intended for well-filtered aquariums in our freshwater world and fits in perfectly with our well-equipped aquariums.

Behaviour & maintenance

The L128 is a rather nocturnal bottom-dwelling fish, generally peaceful with open water fish but can be territorial towards other loricariids, especially if hiding places are limited.

• Most active at dusk, it spends the day in caves, under roots or between rocks.
• Compatible with small to medium-sized calm fish occupying the environment/surface.
• Avoid overpopulation of plecos in too small volumes: provide several refuges.

A volume of at least 200 L is recommended for an individual, more so when cohabiting with other bottom-dwelling fish. Provide powerful filtration, a moderate to strong current and well-oxygenated water. Use starter bacteria to stabilise the cycle before introduction and check your parameters regularly with water tests.

Feeding

Ancistrinae gen. sp. L128 is an omnivore with carnivorous tendencies that grazes on biofilm on surfaces while consuming animal prey.

• Base: sinking protein pellets and tablets for carnivorous/omnivorous groundfish.
• Regular frozen/live supplements (artemia, mysis, krill, bloodworms, small crustaceans).
• Moderate vegetable intake: mixed pellets, pieces of vegetable (courgette, cucumber) offered from time to time.

See our range of foods for bottom-dwelling fish. In planted aquariums, support the plants with aquarium fertiliser.

Water quality

• Ideal temperature: 26 - 30°C
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5
• GH: 3 - 12 °dGH
• KH: 1 - 6 °KH
• Conductivity: 100 - 300 µS

Before introduction, treat the water with a water conditioner. This loricariid is sensitive to nitrites and high nitrate accumulation: carry out weekly water changes of 20-30% and monitor your parameters with our water tests.

Decor & environment

In the wild, the L128 frequents rocky areas with currents in the Orinoco basin. Reproduce a structured décor rich in hiding places:

• Aquarium substrate such as sand or rounded gravel.
• Numerous stones, caves, tubes and roots to provide individual hiding places.
• Moderate to subdued lighting, with areas of shade.

For an optimal environment, use aquarium substrate, ouraquascaping elements and aquarium lighting. Complement with decorations to create caves and interstices.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

For a Blue Phantom in top form, provide plenty of hiding places, a strong current and very clean water. Distribute food at dusk and monitor your parameters with our water tests.

Shipping & delivery of live fish

The fish are shipped with care in specially adapted isothermal packaging, guaranteeing their safety during transport.

Delivery methods

• France Express (secure home delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• In-store collection at Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipment organisation

• Orders closed: every Monday at 10.00 am.
• France: departures on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the delivery department, for delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium & Luxembourg: departures on Monday and Tuesday for delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.