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Ancistomus snethlageae - L141 - Cascudo Fantasma // 6 a 9 cm
Description
The Pleco L141, 6 to 9 cm: also commonly known as Ghost Pleco or White Tail Ghost Pleco, is a freshwater armoured catfish scientifically classified as Ancistomus snethlageae. It is native to the Amazon River basin, found specifically in the rocky, fast-flowing stretches of the Rio Tapajós, in Brazil. Below are the specifications and the essential care guide for keeping this rare and fascinating species in captivity:
Species Overview:
Scientific Name: Ancistomus snethlageae
Other Numbers: L141, L215
Adult Size: Can reach between 15 cm and 22 cm in length.
Life Expectancy: About 10 to 15 years if well cared for.
Temperament: Generally peaceful with other species, but territorial with other bottom-dwelling fish and plecos.
Water Parameters and Environment: The L141 lives in shallow rapids, which means it requires very clean, moving water. Temperature: 24 °C to 30 °C (prefers warmer water). pH: 6.5 to 7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic). Water Hardness: 5 to 10 dGH. Oxygenation: Very High. Circulation pumps or powerful filters are essential to create a moderate to strong current and keep oxygen levels high.
Aquarium Setup: Minimum Size: At least 100 to 120 litres for one adult specimen. If kept with other large fish, the aquarium must be considerably larger. Substrate: Fine sand or rounded gravel, so as not to hurt the fish's belly.
Decoration: It is essential to include driftwood (bogwood) and plenty of smooth rocks arranged to create dark burrows, crevices and caves. The L141 is a predominantly nocturnal fish and needs shaded places to hide during the day. Plants: Prefer sturdy plants attached to wood (such as Anubias or Microsorum), since stem plants buried in the sand can be uprooted by the fish's movement.
Diet and Feeding: Unlike other plecos that are strictly vegetarian, the Ghost Pleco L141 is an omnivore with a strong inclination towards protein. Staple Food: Bottom foods made specifically for plecos (tablets/bottom wafers) rich in vegetables and algae. Protein (Essential): Regularly offer frozen or live foods, such as mosquito larvae (bloodworms), brine shrimp and small crustaceans. Fibre: They like to scrape the surface of natural wood, which aids digestion. Supplement from time to time with slices of fresh vegetables such as courgette, cucumber or cooked canudo. Feeding Time: Preferably feed it at night, right after turning off the aquarium lights.
Tank Mates (Compatibility) Good options: Peaceful fish that occupy the middle and upper zones of the aquarium, such as large schools of tetras (Mato Grosso, Rhodostomus), Discus, angelfish, or small peaceful cichlids (Apistogramma).
Species Overview:
Scientific Name: Ancistomus snethlageae
Other Numbers: L141, L215
Adult Size: Can reach between 15 cm and 22 cm in length.
Life Expectancy: About 10 to 15 years if well cared for.
Temperament: Generally peaceful with other species, but territorial with other bottom-dwelling fish and plecos.
Water Parameters and Environment: The L141 lives in shallow rapids, which means it requires very clean, moving water. Temperature: 24 °C to 30 °C (prefers warmer water). pH: 6.5 to 7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic). Water Hardness: 5 to 10 dGH. Oxygenation: Very High. Circulation pumps or powerful filters are essential to create a moderate to strong current and keep oxygen levels high.
Aquarium Setup: Minimum Size: At least 100 to 120 litres for one adult specimen. If kept with other large fish, the aquarium must be considerably larger. Substrate: Fine sand or rounded gravel, so as not to hurt the fish's belly.
Decoration: It is essential to include driftwood (bogwood) and plenty of smooth rocks arranged to create dark burrows, crevices and caves. The L141 is a predominantly nocturnal fish and needs shaded places to hide during the day. Plants: Prefer sturdy plants attached to wood (such as Anubias or Microsorum), since stem plants buried in the sand can be uprooted by the fish's movement.
Diet and Feeding: Unlike other plecos that are strictly vegetarian, the Ghost Pleco L141 is an omnivore with a strong inclination towards protein. Staple Food: Bottom foods made specifically for plecos (tablets/bottom wafers) rich in vegetables and algae. Protein (Essential): Regularly offer frozen or live foods, such as mosquito larvae (bloodworms), brine shrimp and small crustaceans. Fibre: They like to scrape the surface of natural wood, which aids digestion. Supplement from time to time with slices of fresh vegetables such as courgette, cucumber or cooked canudo. Feeding Time: Preferably feed it at night, right after turning off the aquarium lights.
Tank Mates (Compatibility) Good options: Peaceful fish that occupy the middle and upper zones of the aquarium, such as large schools of tetras (Mato Grosso, Rhodostomus), Discus, angelfish, or small peaceful cichlids (Apistogramma).