L128 Blue Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus sp. L128) 4–5″ for Sale in Canada
The L128 Blue Phantom Pleco is a highly sought-after South American L-number pleco admired for its deep blue-gray coloration, dark body, and subtle lighter markings. At 4–5 inches, this specimen is already at an attractive juvenile-to-subadult size and makes an excellent choice for aquarists and collectors searching for a distinctive specialty pleco.
The L128 is associated with the Hemiancistrus group and is a fascinating bottom-dwelling catfish that appreciates clean, warm, highly oxygenated water, strong circulation, caves, rocks, and driftwood.
Its understated blue coloration can become particularly attractive under suitable aquarium lighting and against dark natural décor.
Monster Aquarium Canada offers the L128 Blue Phantom Pleco 4–5″ for Canadian aquarists looking for rare L-number plecos and specialty freshwater fish.
Why Choose an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco?
A Beautiful Blue-Toned L-Number Pleco
The Blue Phantom Pleco is prized for its unusual coloration and collector appeal.
Key Features
- L-number: L128
- Scientific identification: Hemiancistrus sp. L128
- Common name: Blue Phantom Pleco
- Available size: 4–5 inches
- Blue-gray to dark coloration
- Subtle contrasting markings
- Armored body
- Sucker mouth
- South American freshwater species
- Cave-dwelling behaviour
- Generally peaceful temperament
- Highly desirable L-number pleco
Coloration and pattern can vary between individual specimens and aquarium conditions.
L128 Blue Phantom Pleco 4–5″ Size
A Great Collector Size
The 4–5 inch size is an excellent stage for adding an L128 to an established aquarium.
At this size, the fish is large enough to make an impressive display while still having significant room for continued growth.
Think Long-Term
When purchasing an L128, consider its eventual adult size and provide sufficient:
- Bottom territory
- Hiding places
- Filtration
- Oxygenation
- Water movement
- Feeding opportunities
Aquarium Size and Setup
Give Your L128 Plenty of Bottom Space
A 75-gallon aquarium or larger is a good long-term target for an adult Blue Phantom Pleco, particularly in a community aquarium.
A larger aquarium is recommended when keeping several bottom-dwelling fish or multiple plecos.
Recommended Aquarium Features
- Mature biological filtration
- Strong water circulation
- High oxygenation
- Aquarium-safe driftwood
- Smooth rocks
- Pleco caves
- Rock crevices
- Shaded areas
- Open bottom territory
Provide Caves and Shelters
The L128 appreciates secure hiding areas where it can retreat during daylight hours.
If keeping multiple plecos, provide several caves and separate territories to minimize 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: 4–5 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
Stable water quality and high oxygenation are particularly important for maintaining a healthy L-number pleco.
What Does an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco Eat?
Provide a Varied Diet
The L128 benefits from a varied diet containing quality sinking foods along with plant-based foods.
Recommended Foods
- High-quality sinking pleco pellets
- Spirulina wafers
- Algae wafers
- Vegetable-based sinking foods
- Blanched zucchini
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Specialized pleco foods
- Quality gel foods
- Occasional protein-rich foods
Feeding Tip
Offer food after the aquarium lights have dimmed. This suits the L128’s natural activity pattern and helps prevent faster tank mates from consuming all the food.
Avoid relying exclusively on algae growing naturally in the aquarium.
Behaviour and Temperament
A Peaceful Bottom-Dwelling Fish
The L128 is generally peaceful toward compatible aquarium inhabitants.
During daylight, it may remain hidden beneath driftwood, rocks, or inside caves. As lighting decreases, it typically becomes more active.
You may observe your Blue Phantom Pleco:
- Exploring caves
- Grazing aquarium surfaces
- Searching for food
- Moving across rocks
- Investigating driftwood
- Patrolling its preferred territory
Some territorial behaviour can occur between individuals, particularly when hiding places are limited.
Compatible Tank Mates
Excellent for a Carefully Planned Community Aquarium
The L128 can be kept 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 larger catfish
Avoid
- Aggressive predators
- Highly territorial cichlids
- Persistent fin-nipping fish
- Excessively territorial bottom dwellers
- Too many plecos competing for caves
Always consider the adult size and behaviour of every tank mate.
L128 Blue Phantom Pleco in a Natural Aquarium
Create a Rocky, Wood-Rich Habitat
A natural-style aquarium can bring out the L128’s attractive dark blue coloration.
Consider adding:
- Aquarium-safe driftwood
- Smooth river rocks
- Pleco caves
- Rock crevices
- Shaded areas
- Hardy aquatic plants
- Strong circulation
- Open bottom territory
Dark substrate and natural rockwork can provide an excellent background for the Blue Phantom’s coloration.
Breeding L128 Blue Phantom Plecos
A Specialist Cave-Spawning Project
Breeding L-number plecos can be a rewarding project for experienced aquarists.
A suitable breeding environment should include:
- Mature compatible adults
- Appropriately sized caves
- Excellent water quality
- Strong oxygenation
- Stable warm temperatures
- Nutritious food
- Good circulation
- Minimal disturbance
Providing several caves allows fish to establish territories and select preferred spawning sites.
Why Buy an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco from Monster Aquarium Canada?
A Rare 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 4–5″ is an excellent choice for aquarists who want a distinctive L-number catfish with attractive blue-gray coloration and fascinating nocturnal behaviour.
A Standout Collector Fish
Its combination of blue-toned coloration, manageable size, peaceful nature, armored body, and L-number collector appeal makes the L128 a fantastic addition to a serious freshwater aquarium.
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 4–5 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 appropriately selected community fish, although territorial behaviour can occur between plecos.
5. What does an L128 Blue Phantom Pleco eat?
It benefits from sinking pleco foods, spirulina and algae wafers, vegetables, gel foods, and occasional protein-rich foods.




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