L-501 Black Phantasm Pleco

L-501 Black Phantasm Pleco

The Black Phantasm Pleco, with an equally fantastic scientific name, are seldom seen in the aquarium hobby. These black plecos with some chocolate marbling sport a high profile body and big dorsal fin. Hardy and adaptable to most aquariums.

Native to the warm, oxygen-rich waters of the Rio Tapajós basin in Brazil, the L-501 Black Phantasm Pleco grows to a very manageable adult size of 4 to 5 inches. Unlike common herbivorous plecos, this species features smaller, specialized teeth adapted for a carnivore-leaning omnivorous diet. Due to its modest footprint and peaceful nature, a single specimen can be kept comfortably in a minimum aquarium size of 20 to 30 gallons, provided there is clean water, warm temperatures, and good current.

The L-501 Black Phantasm Pleco is a nocturnal, secretive bottom dweller that makes a fantastic centerpiece species for small-to-medium tropical aquariums. It requires plenty of slate caves, driftwood hideouts, and rock crevices to feel secure during daylight hours, coming out to forage during evening feedings.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This species is a Carnivorous Omnivore. Unlike plant-grazing plecos, its diet should primarily consist of high-protein foods. Feed a consistent regimen of frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, and protein-rich sinking wafers. Vegetable matter is occasionally picked at, but protein forms the core of their dietary needs.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide warm, well-oxygenated water (78–84°F) with moderate flow. Supply multiple natural rock caves or ceramic pleco caves, as they spend much of their time tucked away in tight crevices. Driftwood should be present for shelter and biofilm surface area, though they do not rely on consuming wood fiber like Panaque or Ancistrus species.
• Reef / Plant Compatibility: It is Completely Plant Safe. The L-501 does not eat aquatic foliage or uproot plants, making it an excellent addition to high-end aquascapes and heavily planted setups.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful. It will completely ignore midwater and surface tankmates. Males can display mild territoriality over choice spawning caves when kept with other Hypancistrus, but severe aggression is rare if multiple hideouts are provided.
• Tankmates: Ideal tankmates include small, peaceful soft-water species such as Tetras, Hatchetfish, Rasboras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, Ram Cichlids, and Discus. Avoid housing with overly aggressive bottom-dwellers or hyper-active scavengers that might outcompete the shy L-501 for food.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp. L-501
• Primary Common Name: L-501 Black Phantasm Pleco
• Other Common Names: L501 Pleco, Black Phantasm Hypancistrus
• Origin: South America (Rio Tapajós Basin, Brazil)
• Max Size: 4-5 inches
• Temperament: Peaceful (Mild cave territoriality between males)
• Diet: Carnivorous Omnivore (Requires high-protein sinking foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20-30 Gallons
• Plant Compatibility: Completely Plant Safe
• Shipping Size: 3-5 inches