Dwarf Pencilfish care guide
Dwarf Pencilfish (Nannostomus marginatus) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 22-27 °C, pH 4.5-7.
Overview
The Dwarf Pencilfish (Nannostomus marginatus) is among the smallest lebiasinids, native to soft blackwater tributaries of northern South America. The species shows three dark horizontal stripes on a warm body and a red flash on the lower fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lebiasinidae
- Genus: Nannostomus
- Scientific name: Nannostomus marginatus
- Common synonyms: Marginatus Pencilfish
Habitat
Native to small, shallow, slow-flowing forest streams of Guyana, Suriname and adjacent parts of Brazil, with very soft, acidic, tannin-stained water and dense leaf litter.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-2.5 cm
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 4.5-7
- GH: 1-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥8 individuals
Diet
A micro-predator. Offer crushed flakes, micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods such as cyclops, baby brine shrimp and microworm.
Compatibility
A peaceful nano shoaling species. Maintain a group of at least eight in a heavily planted blackwater aquarium with subdued lighting. Compatible with other tiny peaceful fish such as Boraras, Ember Tetra and dwarf shrimp.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer. Soft, acidic water and dim lighting trigger spawning over fine-leaved plants; remove parents after spawning.