Three-lined Pencilfish care guide
Three-lined Pencilfish (Nannostomus trifasciatus) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 23-28 °C, pH 5-7.
Overview
The Three-lined Pencilfish (Nannostomus trifasciatus) is a small lebiasinid from the Amazon and upper Negro basins. The species shows three bold black horizontal stripes along a slender body, accented with red and gold blotches; at night it switches to a different vertical-bar pattern.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lebiasinidae
- Genus: Nannostomus
- Scientific name: Nannostomus trifasciatus
- Common synonyms: Three-stripe Pencilfish
Habitat
Native to soft, very acidic blackwater tributaries of the upper Amazon and Rio Negro in Brazil, Peru and Colombia, in slow-moving streams with leaf litter and shaded vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-4 cm
- Temperature: 23-28 °C (73-82 °F)
- pH: 5-7
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
A micro-predator and omnivore. Offer micro-pellets, finely crushed flakes and small live or frozen foods such as cyclops, daphnia and baby brine shrimp.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water shoaling species. Keep a group of at least six in a planted blackwater aquarium with subdued lighting. Compatible with other small characins, dwarf cichlids and freshwater shrimp.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants in very soft, acidic water. Eggs and adults must be separated quickly, as parents readily consume eggs.