Espe's Pencilfish
Nannostomus espei
FishFreshwater
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.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 5–6.5 |
| GH | 1–5 |
| KH | 1–3 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 15 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.3 |
Care
Difficulty3/5
Dietcarnivore
Min. tank60 L
Min. group6
Adult size3.5 cm
Lifespan3 ans
Temperamentpeaceful
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.