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Damnyankee (1) Vedran Cuncic (1) Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (2) Allan James (2) Haakon Haagensen (1)

Only recently been described (2005) by the above authors. Green phantom plecos are actually two species, Baryancistrus (Baryancistrus demantoides) and the other Hemiancistrus subviridis  from Southern Venezuela. Description: The main difference between these two similar looking species is that Baryancistrus has a connecting fleshy skin fold between the posterior of the dorsal fin connecting it to the fleshy adipose fin. Hemiancistrus has these two fins separate. Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 7. Distinguished from all other ancistrins by having the dorsal and adipose fins connected by an expanded posterior section of the dorsal-fin membrane, golden-yellow spots confined to the anterior portion of the body and greater than 30 teeth per jaw ramus. Habitat: Occurs exclusively among granite rocks in flowing water. Aquarium Care: Can be problematic, especially with inexperienced aquarists, not a beginners fish. As of most of this genera the adults can be extremely territorial, especially with their own kind and other species of Baryancistrus. Prefers higher temperatures. Sexual Differences: Mature males have a broader and longer head and longer pectoral fin spines. Diet: Vegetarian diet such as cucumber and courgette will suffice with other foods offered such as frozen bloodworm, insect larvae and prawns/shrimp foods. Etymology: The specific name of demantoid, a green garnet gemstone. Remarks: Phylogenetic research since the original description has revealed that this species actually represents a new, undescribed genus largely restricted to the upper Orinoco along with Baryancistrus beggini, Hemiancistrus guahiborum and Hemiancistrus subviridis (Lujan, N. K. 2021).

L200

None

Loricariidae

Venezuela: Orinoco River at confluence with Ventuari River and lower Ventuari River. Type locality: Venezuela, Amazonas, Río Orinoco drainage, Río Ventuari near ornamental fish market in river, 04.07565º, –066.89285º.

20.0cm. (8ins)

25-29°c (77-85°f.)

6.0-7.5.

Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Seidel, I. 2008. Back to Nature guide to L-catfishes, Ettlingen, Germany 208 p.
Werneke, D. C., M. H. Sabaj, N K. Lujan, and J W. Armbruster. 2005.  Baryancistrus  demantoides and Hemiancistrus subviridis, two new uniquely colored species of loricariids from Venezuela (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). Neotropical Ichthyology, 3 (4):  533–542.