Common Name: L501 Black Phantasm Pleco
Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp. (L501)
Other Names: L501
The L501 Black Phantasm Pleco is a wild-caught Hypancistrus from Colombia and an uncommon find for pleco collectors. It is a dark-colored Hypancistrus, as its trade name suggests, with the compact, armored body and sucker mouth typical of the genus.
Habitat and Distribution:
L501 comes from the Rio Vaupés system in Colombia, where Hypancistrus plecos live among rocks and crevices in flowing, well-oxygenated water. These habitats provide plenty of surfaces for grazing and crevices for shelter, and the flowing water keeps oxygen levels high.
Size and Lifespan:
Adults reach about 5-6 inches (13-15 cm). Hypancistrus plecos commonly live 10-15 years with good care.
Diet and Behavior:
L501 is an omnivore that leans toward meaty foods, feeding on small invertebrates and detritus in the wild. In the aquarium, offer sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, shrimp and some vegetables. It is peaceful toward other fish, but territorial with other plecos, so provide caves. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Plecos of this type are cave spawners. The female lays a clutch of eggs inside a cave or crevice, and the male guards and fans the eggs and then the newly hatched fry until they are ready to leave. Providing several caves, excellent water quality and good water movement gives the best chance of spawning.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 40 gallons is recommended. Provide plenty of driftwood, caves and rockwork, a sand or fine gravel substrate, and efficient filtration with good water movement and high oxygen levels. Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 77-84°F (25-29°C), with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. New arrivals should be acclimated slowly.
Ideal Tank Mates:
They can be kept with a wide range of peaceful community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids and other small catfish. Provide a cave for each pleco and avoid housing them with large, aggressive species that may stress or injure them. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. Hypancistrus plecos are hardy once settled, but they need warm, clean, well-oxygenated water. It is well suited to aquarists with some experience who can maintain stable water conditions.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 77-84°F (25-29°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 2-10 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-6 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Like other Hypancistrus, it appreciates strong flow and high oxygen levels.
- Hypancistrus are carnivore-leaning plecos and are not effective algae eaters.
- It is most active in the evening, which is the best time to feed.
The L501 Black Phantasm Pleco is an uncommon, dark-toned pleco for collectors of Hypancistrus. With the right setup and care, it will be a rewarding addition for many years.
