Red-tailed Pencilfish
Nannostomus rubrocaudatus
Nannostomus rubrocaudatus reaches about 3 cm. Its elongated, slender body is typical of pencilfishes. The caudal fin is intense red, contrasting with the silvery body. A thin black horizontal line runs along the flank. It lives in schools and enjoys soft, acidic water. Its behavior is very peaceful, making it an excellent community fish. In the aquarium, it often stays in mid-water and is active.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 23–28 |
| pH | 5.5–7 |
| GH | 1–10 |
| KH | 1–5 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Care notes
Keep temperature at 23-28°C, pH 5.5-7.0, GH 1-10. A minimum 60-liter tank is recommended for a group of 6. Water should be well-filtered with moderate flow. Provide a varied diet: micro-worms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and fine flakes. Floating plants and dense vegetation are appreciated. Avoid overly active or large tankmates. Compatible with other small tetras, rasboras, and corydoras.