Nitidus Pencilfish Care Guide
Nannostomus nitidus is a small pencilfish from the Capim River basin of Pará, Brazil, with a thin dark lateral stripe and care typical of the genus.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Nannostomus nitidus is a small pencilfish of the family Lebiasinidae, described by Weitzman in 1978. It is a subtle species with a thin black lateral stripe, similar in form and care to other members of its genus. FishBase gives a maximum standard length of about 3.5 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lebiasinidae
- Genus: Nannostomus
- Scientific name: Nannostomus nitidus (Weitzman, 1978)
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Capim River basin in Pará, Brazil. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish of tropical lowland waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.5
- GH: 1-8 °dGH (soft water preferred)
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- A planted tank with gentle filtration suits this small species
Diet
Like other small Nannostomus, it is a micropredator. A varied diet of small live and frozen foods such as Artemia nauplii and Moina, supplemented with suitably sized dried preparations, is recommended.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018).
Nitidus Pencilfish (Nannostomus nitidus) Breeding Guide
Overview
Nannostomus nitidus is a small pencilfish recorded from the Igarapé Candiru-Mirim, Rio Capim, in Pará, Brazil, reaching about 30-35 mm standard length (Seriously Fish). Seriously Fish describes it as an egg-scattering free spawner exhibiting no parental care.
Sexing
According to Seriously Fish, adult males are usually slimmer and more intensely patterned than females, and the male's anal fin is slightly modified with thicker rays.
Conditioning
Seriously Fish recommends conditioning the adults together in a separate, smaller aquarium. Slightly acidic to neutral water is advised for spawning, with temperature toward the upper end of the 23-28 degrees C range; the spawning tank should be very dimly lit.
Breeding Setup
Seriously Fish suggests a base that allows eggs through but blocks the adults, such as a mesh, plastic grass-type matting or glass marbles; alternatively a fine-leaved plant such as Taxiphyllum or spawning mops work well. An air-powered sponge filter or air stone provides gentle oxygenation. Introduce a single pair, or a group of one or two males with several females.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As a free spawner, the species scatters eggs without guarding them (Seriously Fish). Very dim lighting and warmer water toward the top of the range are the conditions Seriously Fish associates with spawning.
Egg & Fry Care
Seriously Fish notes the adults can be removed after 2-3 days, with the first fry visible around three days later. Initial food is Paramecium or a proprietary dry food of 5-50 micron grade, progressing to Artemia nauplii and microworm.
Common Challenges
The eggs are light-sensitive, so Seriously Fish advises a very dimly lit spawning tank; the unguarded eggs also need a base or fine plants to fall into, and the small fry require correspondingly small first foods.