Lemon spotted green pleco - Hemiancistrus subviridis

Scientific name: Hemiancistrus subviridis

Common name: Lemon spotted green pleco

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 14 - 18 cm (5.51 - 7.09 inch)

014

Recommended pH range: 6.6 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness: 6 - 21°N (107.14 - 375ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Short description

The Lemon-spotted Green Pleco (Hemiancistrus subviridis), widely sold as the Green Phantom Pleco (L200), is a medium Loricariid from Venezuela’s Orinoco drainage. It thrives in fast, highly oxygenated water over rocks, where it grazes biofilm and small benthic invertebrates. Generally peaceful toward other species, but territorial toward similar plecos—provide multiple caves and rock faces so each fish can hold a patch.

Origin

South America; native to Venezuela (upper Orinoco system, including tributaries like the Ventuari). Found around boulder fields and rock slabs with strong current and excellent oxygenation.

Food and feeding

An aufwuchs/biofilm grazer with omnivorous tendencies. Offer sinking wafers and high-quality algae/spirulina pellets, plus regular portions of frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops, mysis, and finely chopped shrimp. Let rocks develop a light algal film; supplement with blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach). Do not rely on “tank algae” alone.

Sexing

Mature males typically develop stronger odontodes (cheek and along the flanks) and broader heads; females are rounder when gravid. External differences can be subtle in juveniles.

Breeding

A cave spawner. The female deposits eggs deep in a snug cave or tube; the male guards, fans, and cleans the clutch until hatching (≈3–4 days at ~26 °C). Fry remain in the cave until the yolk is absorbed; then offer powdered algae foods, crushed wafers, and newly hatched brine shrimp or cyclops. Maintain very high oxygen and spotless water.

Lifespan

With strong flow, oxygenation, and clean water, expect 8–12 years.

Behavior & compatibility

Peaceful community bottom-dweller, but territorial with conspecifics and similar-shaped plecos, especially males. Keep singly or provide multiple caves and sightline breaks if keeping more than one. Suitable tank mates include midwater characins, peaceful cichlids of similar size, and non-competing catfish.

Tank requirements

Tank size: 120 cm length for an adult; larger if housing more plecos.
Flow & oxygen: moderate–strong current and vigorous surface agitation; aim for riverine conditions.
Aquascape: smooth rocks/slates to graze, multiple snug caves/tubes, optional driftwood; fine sand or rounded gravel.
Water: pH 6.6–7.3 (slightly acidic to neutral), soft–moderately hard; temperature 24–28 °C works well.
Maintenance: very clean, well-oxygenated water; low nitrate; frequent partial water changes.

Notes on identification

Often confused with the “High-fin Green Phantom” (Baryancistrus demantoides, sometimes also labeled L200). H. subviridis typically shows a lower dorsal fin and different head profile. Correct ID helps match flow/feeding requirements.