Dwarf pencilfish

Nannostomus marginatus

Family : Lebiasinidae

FishFreshwatercharacids

The smallest pencilfish, barely 3.5 cm. Body striped black and red, very peaceful, ideal for nano tanks.

Dwarf pencilfish — photo 1 sur 3
Fanch from Paris, France · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.01 / 3
Popularity
Community fish
classic in freshwater aquarium
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
South America
Hors bassin amazonien : Paraná, Orénoque, Andes.

Description

The dwarf pencilfish (Nannostomus marginatus) is a tiny fish of the family Lebiasinidae. It reaches only 3.5 cm. Its body is elongated with a horizontal black stripe and a red or golden stripe above. Fins are often transparent with red spots. It is a very shy schooling fish that must be kept in groups of at least 8 to 10. It prefers very soft acidic water typical of blackwater. It feeds on very small foods.

Habitat

Region :

Blackwater rivers and streams, swampy areas

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH4.56.5
GH15 °dGH
KH03 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 10 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.2 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
3/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
30 L
Min. group
8
Adult size
3.5 cm
Lifespan
3 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
egg scatterer

Care notes

Nano tank of at least 30 L. Temperature 24-28°C, pH 4.5-6.5, GH 1-5. Blackwater (peat, catappa leaves). Fine plants, subdued lighting. Diet: infusoria, microworms, brine shrimp nauplii. Very regular water changes with RO water. Delicate fish for experienced aquarists.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References