L128 Blue Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus sp. L128) 2–2.5″ for Sale in Canada
The L128 Blue Phantom Pleco is a highly desirable L-number pleco known for its attractive blue-gray coloration, dark body, and distinctive appearance. This 2–2.5 inch specimen is an excellent size for aquarists and pleco collectors looking to add a young L128 to an established freshwater aquarium.
Known in the aquarium hobby as the Blue Phantom Pleco, L128 is a fascinating bottom-dwelling catfish that spends much of its time exploring caves, rocks, driftwood, and aquarium surfaces. As it matures, its coloration and body structure become increasingly impressive.
The L128 benefits from warm, clean, highly oxygenated water, strong filtration, good circulation, caves, and a varied diet.
Monster Aquarium Canada offers the L128 Blue Phantom Pleco 2–2.5″ for Canadian aquarists searching for specialty L-number plecos and unusual freshwater fish.
Why Choose an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco?
A Beautiful Blue-Toned L-Number Pleco
The L128 is popular because of its unusual coloration and collector appeal. Its dark blue-gray appearance can look especially impressive under suitable aquarium lighting.
Key Features
- L-number: L128
- Scientific identification: Hemiancistrus sp. L128
- Common name: Blue Phantom Pleco
- Available size: 2–2.5 inches
- Blue-gray to dark coloration
- Attractive subtle markings
- Armored body
- Sucker mouth
- South American freshwater species
- Cave-dwelling behaviour
- Generally peaceful temperament
- Highly collectible L-number pleco
Coloration and pattern can vary between individual specimens.
L128 Blue Phantom Pleco 2–2.5″ Size
An Excellent Juvenile Size
At 2–2.5 inches, the L128 is still a young fish with plenty of growth ahead.
This size makes it an attractive option for aquarists who enjoy watching an L-number pleco develop and mature in their aquarium.
Plan for Future Growth
Even though this specimen is small, provide an appropriate long-term environment with:
- Adequate bottom space
- Caves and shelters
- Strong filtration
- High oxygenation
- Good water circulation
- Nutritious food
- Stable water conditions
Aquarium Size and Setup
Create a Stable, Mature Aquarium
A 75-gallon aquarium or larger is a good long-term target for an adult L128, particularly in a community aquarium.
A smaller established aquarium may accommodate a juvenile temporarily, but planning around its adult size is recommended.
Recommended Aquarium Features
- Mature biological filtration
- Efficient mechanical filtration
- Good water circulation
- High oxygenation
- Aquarium-safe driftwood
- Smooth rocks
- Pleco caves
- Rock crevices
- Shaded resting areas
- Open bottom territory
Caves Are Important
The L128 appreciates caves and sheltered areas where it can retreat during daylight hours.
When keeping several bottom-dwelling fish, provide multiple caves to reduce competition.
Water Parameters
Basic L128 Blue Phantom Pleco Care
- Scientific name: Hemiancistrus sp. L128
- Common name: L128 Blue Phantom Pleco
- L-number: L128
- Current size: 2–2.5 inches
- Potential adult size: Approximately 7–9 inches (18–23 cm)
- Origin: South America
- Temperature: Approximately 26–30°C (79–86°F)
- pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
- Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard
- Care level: Moderate to Advanced
- Temperament: Generally peaceful
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Swimming level: Bottom
- Activity: Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular
Excellent filtration, stable water conditions, and high oxygenation should be priorities.
What Does an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco Eat?
Provide a Varied Diet
Young L128 plecos need regular access to nutritious sinking foods.
Recommended Foods
- High-quality sinking pleco pellets
- Spirulina wafers
- Algae wafers
- Vegetable-based sinking foods
- Blanched zucchini
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Quality gel foods
- Occasional protein-rich foods
Feeding Tip
Offer food after the aquarium lights have dimmed. The L128 is often more active during low-light periods, making evening feeding particularly useful.
For a 2–2.5 inch juvenile, ensure larger tank mates do not outcompete it for food.
Behaviour and Temperament
A Peaceful Cave-Dwelling Pleco
The L128 is generally peaceful with compatible aquarium inhabitants.
During the day, your juvenile may spend much of its time:
- Inside caves
- Beneath driftwood
- Between rocks
- In shaded areas
As the aquarium becomes darker, it may emerge to explore and feed.
You may observe it:
- Grazing surfaces
- Exploring caves
- Searching for food
- Moving through rockwork
- Investigating driftwood
- Establishing a preferred shelter
Territorial behaviour can develop between individuals when suitable shelters are limited.
Compatible Tank Mates
Choose Peaceful Community Fish
L128 Blue Phantom Plecos can work well with peaceful tropical fish that tolerate similar warm-water conditions.
Potential tank mates include:
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras
- Peaceful dwarf cichlids
- Silver Dollars
- Compatible South American fish
- Peaceful community species
Avoid
- Aggressive predators
- Highly territorial cichlids
- Persistent fin-nipping fish
- Aggressive bottom dwellers
- Fish large enough to swallow a 2–2.5″ juvenile
- Excessive competition for caves and food
Because this listing is for a small juvenile, tank-mate size is especially important.
L128 Blue Phantom Pleco in a Natural Aquarium
Build a Rocky, Cave-Rich Habitat
A natural-style aquarium can make the L128’s blue-gray coloration stand out.
Consider adding:
- Aquarium-safe driftwood
- Smooth river rocks
- Pleco caves
- Rock crevices
- Shaded areas
- Hardy aquatic plants
- Strong circulation
- Open bottom space
A combination of dark substrate, driftwood, and natural rockwork can provide an attractive environment for a Blue Phantom Pleco.
Breeding L128 Blue Phantom Plecos
A Specialist Breeding Project
Breeding L-number plecos can be a rewarding project for experienced aquarists.
For a future breeding setup, provide:
- Mature males and females
- Suitable spawning caves
- Excellent water quality
- Strong oxygenation
- Stable warm temperatures
- Nutritious food
- Good circulation
- Multiple shelters
The male may select and defend a suitable cave, making appropriately sized spawning shelters important.
Why Buy an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco from Monster Aquarium Canada?
A Collectible L-Number Pleco for Canadian Aquarists
Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in rare freshwater fish, L-number plecos, unusual tropical fish, monster fish, aquarium foods, medications, and specialist aquarium supplies.
The L128 Blue Phantom Pleco 2–2.5″ is an excellent choice for collectors who want to raise a young specialty pleco and watch it develop.
Small Size, Big Collector Appeal
Its combination of blue-gray coloration, distinctive appearance, manageable juvenile size, peaceful behaviour, and L-number status makes the L128 a fantastic addition to an established freshwater aquarium.
Remember that this 2–2.5″ fish is a juvenile and should be purchased with its eventual adult size and aquarium requirements in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco?
The L128 Blue Phantom Pleco is commonly traded as Hemiancistrus sp. L128 and is a South American L-number pleco known for its dark blue-gray coloration.
2. What size is this L128 Pleco?
This listing is for an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco measuring approximately 2–2.5 inches.
3. How large can an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco grow?
The L128 can reach approximately 7–9 inches (18–23 cm) depending on genetics, diet, and aquarium conditions.
4. Is the L128 Blue Phantom Pleco peaceful?
Yes. It is generally peaceful with compatible aquarium fish, although individuals can become territorial around caves.
5. What does an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco eat?
It benefits from sinking pleco foods, spirulina and algae wafers, vegetables, quality gel foods, and occasional protein-rich foods.




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