Harrison's Pencilfish Care Guide
Nannostomus harrisoni is a slim pencilfish endemic to the Demerara basin of Guyana, with reddish fins in males and a preference for soft, acidic water.
Overview
Nannostomus harrisoni is a slim pencilfish of the family Lebiasinidae. Males show red pigmentation in the pelvic, anal and caudal fins, while females have hyaline pelvic and anal fins. Seriously Fish gives a maximum size of about 40-45 mm, and notes the cryptic, vertically barred pattern the fish adopts at night.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lebiasinidae
- Genus: Nannostomus
- Scientific name: Nannostomus harrisoni (Eigenmann, 1909)
Habitat
FishBase and Seriously Fish record the species as endemic to the Demerara River basin in eastern Guyana, including tributaries such as the Haiama, Kuruabaru and associated creeks. These are soft, acidic forest waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.0-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH (soft, acidic water preferred)
- School size: 6 or more, ideally 10 or more
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Use gentle filtration and a well-planted layout
Diet
Seriously Fish describes the species as a micropredator on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton. In the aquarium it should be offered daily meals of small live and frozen foods such as Artemia nauplii, Moina and grindal worm, in addition to suitable dried preparations.
Compatibility
Nannostomus harrisoni is very peaceful but, due to its small size and timid nature, is best kept among similarly small, calm species. It is highly gregarious and should be maintained in groups of ten or more. Suitable companions include peaceful characids, small catfishes and dwarf cichlids.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, breeding is rarely achieved in captivity and generally requires densely planted, mature tanks or dedicated spawning setups.