L200 Green Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus subviridis) 4–5″ for Sale in Canada
The L200 Green Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus subviridis) is a beautiful and highly desirable L-number pleco known for its attractive green coloration, distinctive body shape, and fascinating bottom-dwelling behaviour. It is a popular choice among serious pleco collectors and freshwater aquarists looking for an unusual South American catfish.
This listing is for an L200 Green Phantom Pleco measuring approximately 4–5 inches. At this size, the fish is well established while still having room to develop its adult form and coloration.
The L200 is particularly attractive in a natural aquarium featuring driftwood, rocks, caves, strong filtration, and excellent water circulation. As a species associated with oxygen-rich tropical environments, maintaining clean, well-oxygenated water is an important part of successful long-term care.
Monster Aquarium Canada offers L200 Green Phantom Plecos for Canadian hobbyists looking to buy rare L-number plecos and unusual freshwater fish.
Why Choose an L200 Green Phantom Pleco?
A Beautiful and Collectible L-Number Pleco
The Green Phantom Pleco combines striking coloration with fascinating natural behaviour.
Key Features
- 4–5 inches — substantial specimen
- Scientific name: Hemiancistrus subviridis
- Attractive green coloration
- Distinctive phantom pleco appearance
- Armoured body
- Fascinating bottom-dwelling behaviour
- Rare and collectible L-number fish
- Excellent specialist aquarium pleco
- Suitable for experienced freshwater aquarists
Color intensity can vary between individual specimens depending on genetics, age, diet, lighting, and aquarium conditions.
How Large Does an L200 Green Phantom Pleco Grow?
A Medium-to-Large Specialist Pleco
The L200 Green Phantom Pleco can reach approximately 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) as an adult, although individual size can vary.
The 4–5 inch specimen offered here is therefore still capable of significant growth.
Plan for Its Adult Size
Provide:
- Ample aquarium floor space
- Strong filtration
- Excellent oxygenation
- Good water circulation
- Multiple caves
- Driftwood and rocks
- Suitable long-term territory
Planning around the adult fish helps prevent future overcrowding.
Aquarium Size and Setup
A Spacious, Mature Aquarium Is Recommended
For an adult L200, a 75-gallon aquarium or larger is a reasonable starting point. Larger systems are preferred for multiple plecos or a community aquarium containing other large bottom dwellers.
Recommended Aquarium Features
- Mature biological filtration
- Powerful mechanical filtration
- High oxygenation
- Strong water movement
- Smooth rocks
- Natural driftwood
- Secure caves
- Shaded areas
- Open bottom territory
- Stable water parameters
The L200 appreciates well-oxygenated water with good circulation.
Water Parameters
Basic L200 Green Phantom Pleco Care
- Scientific Name: Hemiancistrus subviridis
- Common Name: L200 Green Phantom Pleco
- L-Number: L200
- Size Offered: 4–5 inches
- Potential Adult Size: Approximately 7–8 inches (18–20 cm)
- Origin: Upper Orinoco region, 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 but potentially territorial with other plecos
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Activity: Often more active during dim conditions
Stable water chemistry and excellent oxygenation should be priorities.
What Does an L200 Green Phantom Pleco Eat?
A Balanced Omnivorous Diet
The L200 should receive a varied diet rather than relying solely on algae growing in the aquarium.
Recommended Foods
- High-quality sinking pleco pellets
- Algae wafers
- Spirulina-based foods
- Vegetable wafers
- Suitable protein-rich sinking foods
- Frozen foods in moderation
- Repashy-style gel foods where appropriate
- Blanched vegetables
Feeding Tip
Feed after the aquarium lights dim when possible. This can encourage natural feeding behaviour and reduce competition with faster fish.
For a 4–5 inch L200, provide enough food to support healthy growth without overfeeding.
Behaviour and Temperament
A Peaceful but Fascinating Bottom Dweller
The L200 Green Phantom Pleco is generally peaceful toward appropriately selected fish.
It may spend time:
- Grazing aquarium surfaces
- Resting on rocks
- Exploring driftwood
- Investigating caves
- Searching for food
- Becoming more active at night
Mature specimens may become territorial toward other plecos, especially when shelter is limited.
Compatible Tank Mates
Choose Warm-Water Community Fish
Potential tank mates should be appropriately sized and able to tolerate warm, clean, highly oxygenated water.
Possible companions include:
- Large peaceful tetras
- Silver Dollars
- Compatible South American cichlids
- Peaceful catfish
- Other robust tropical community fish
Avoid
- Large predatory fish
- Highly aggressive cichlids
- Fish that constantly harass bottom dwellers
- Excessively territorial plecos
- Species requiring significantly cooler water
If keeping multiple plecos, provide several caves and plenty of bottom territory.
L200 Green Phantom Pleco in a Natural Aquarium
Highlight Its Green Coloration
A natural-style aquarium can showcase the L200 beautifully.
Consider using:
- Natural driftwood
- Smooth river rocks
- Caves and crevices
- Shaded resting areas
- Open swimming space
- Strong circulation
- Sturdy aquatic plants
A darker or neutral aquarium background can also make green coloration visually stand out.
Breeding L200 Green Phantom Plecos
A Specialist Cave-Spawning Project
L200 Green Phantom Plecos are associated with cave-spawning behaviour. Breeding projects require mature compatible fish, suitable caves, excellent water quality, strong oxygenation, and a nutritious diet.
Breeding Setup Considerations
- Several appropriately sized caves
- Warm, stable water
- Strong filtration
- Excellent oxygenation
- Nutritious food
- Low-stress environment
- Mature compatible adults
The male may occupy and defend a suitable cave during spawning.
Why Buy L200 Green Phantom Pleco from Monster Aquarium Canada?
Rare L-Number Plecos 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.
A Beautiful 4–5 Inch Specimen
This 4–5 inch L200 Green Phantom Pleco is an excellent choice for collectors who want a substantial specimen while still having the opportunity to watch it mature.
Before ordering, make sure your aquarium is prepared for its potential 7–8 inch adult size and provides strong filtration, excellent oxygenation, suitable caves, and a varied diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How large is this L200 Green Phantom Pleco?
This listing is for an approximately 4–5 inch specimen.
2. How large can an L200 Green Phantom Pleco grow?
L200 Green Phantom Plecos can reach approximately 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) as adults.
3. What does an L200 Green Phantom Pleco eat?
They benefit from sinking pleco foods, algae and spirulina wafers, vegetables, suitable protein-rich foods, and a varied omnivorous diet.
4. Is the L200 Green Phantom Pleco peaceful?
Generally yes. It is usually peaceful with compatible fish but can become territorial toward other plecos.
5. What aquarium size does an L200 need?
A 75-gallon aquarium or larger is a reasonable starting point for an adult, with larger systems recommended for multiple plecos or heavily stocked community aquariums.




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