Saltwater Aquarist

Pencilfish

(Nannostomus sp)

Pencilfish (Nannostomus sp) in a freshwater aquarium

Species Description…

Scientific Name: Nannostomus sp
Common Name: Pencilfish
Species Group: Pencilfish
Tank Type: Community, Planted
Care Level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet Type: Carnivore
Role in Aquarium: Community Fish
Max Fish Length: 2.6 (inches)
Min Aquarium Size: 11 (gallons)
Native Range: Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the eastern Amazon basin (N. beckfordi).
Min Temperature: 70°F
Max Temperature: 81°F
Min pH: 5
Max pH: 8
Min GH: 1 dGH
Max GH: 15 dGH
Min Group Size:
Breeding: Moderate
Lifespan: years

Overview

  • “Pencilfish” covers several slim Nannostomus species. This profile follows the most common one, the golden pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi). [UNVERIFIED] Confirm which species this post should cover.
  • N. beckfordi is found in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and parts of the Amazon basin.
  • Grows to about 2.6 in (6.5 cm) standard length.
  • An excellent first pencilfish. Less demanding than its relatives.

Feeding

  • A micropredator of tiny invertebrates.
  • Feed dried foods of a suitable size plus daily small live or frozen foods.

Habitat

  • A tank with a base of 18 × 12 in (45 × 30 cm).
  • Heavily planted with a dark substrate.
  • Water: 70–81°F (21–27°C), pH 5.0–8.0, GH 1–15.

Fish Care

  • Hardy in a well-planted, mature tank.

Compatibility

  • Peaceful, but doesn’t compete well with boisterous or large fish.
  • Good with small characins and small catfish. Avoid hatchetfish in small tanks.

Aquarium Behavior

  • Males display to each other. Dense planting breaks up sight lines and reduces squabbles.

Breeding

  • An egg scatterer with no parental care.
  • Fry may appear in mature tanks. A separate spawning tank gives more fry.