Espe's Pencilfish
Nannostomus espei
Family : Characidae
A small pencilfish with a silvery body, a black stripe, and a red spot on the anal fin. Peaceful and ideal for blackwater tanks.
Description
Nannostomus espei reaches 3.5 cm. Its body is fusiform with a median black stripe. A characteristic orange-red spot adorns the anal fin. The fins are usually transparent. It lives in schools and prefers acidic, very soft water. It is an active but shy fish. In the aquarium, it often stays near the surface or mid-water. It is sensitive to water quality.
Habitat
Region :
Slow-moving streams and blackwater in the Rio Negro basin
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
Temperature 24-28°C, pH 5.0-6.5, GH 1-5. Minimum 60-liter tank for a group of 6. Water must be very soft and acidic, ideally with peat extract. Feed with small live or frozen foods. Floating plants and dense vegetation are recommended. Avoid overly large tankmates. Compatible with other blackwater fish like neon tetras and dwarf corydoras.
Similar species
Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance
