One-lined Pencilfish

Nannostomus unifasciatus

Family : Characidae

FishFreshwaterPencilfish

An elegant pencilfish with a single black horizontal stripe. Very peaceful, it thrives in groups in a planted aquarium.

One-lined Pencilfish — photo 1 sur 1
Lochrian · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 1
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

Nannostomus unifasciatus reaches up to 4 cm. Its body is elongated and laterally compressed. A broad black stripe runs from snout to caudal peduncle. The fins are translucent with occasional reddish tint. It swims in schools and occupies the mid-water. It is a shy fish that appreciates hiding spots. In good condition, it may show golden reflections on the back.

Habitat

Region :

Forest streams and blackwater in the Amazon basin

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2328 °C
pH5.57
GH110 °dGH
KH15 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
60 L
Min. group
6
Adult size
4 cm
Lifespan
4 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
egg-layer

Care notes

Temperature 23-28°C, pH 5.5-7.0, GH 1-10. Minimum 60-liter tank for a group of 6. Water should be soft and acidic with gentle filtration. Feed with fine foods: brine shrimp nauplii, micro-worms, crushed flakes. Dense plants and roots are beneficial. Avoid aggressive fish. Compatible with small tetras, rasboras, and corydoras.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References