Anduze's Pencilfish Care Guide
Nannostomus anduzei is among the smallest pencilfish, a roughly 16 mm nano characin from the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro tributaries.
Overview
Nannostomus anduzei is one of the smallest known pencilfish of the family Lebiasinidae. Wikipedia reports a maximum length of only about 16 mm, with sexual maturity reached around 11 mm, making it the smallest member of its genus. It shows golden-brown coloration with a metallic gold lateral stripe and red patches on the anal and caudal fins. It was described in 1987 by Fernandez and Weitzman.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lebiasinidae
- Genus: Nannostomus
- Scientific name: Nannostomus anduzei (Fernandez & Weitzman, 1987)
Habitat
FishBase and Wikipedia place the species in the upper Orinoco and the Rio Ererê, a tributary of the Rio Negro, spanning Venezuela and northern Brazil. These are warm, soft and acidic blackwater habitats.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.5
- GH: 1-6 °dGH (soft, acidic water)
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 2-4 years
- A mature nano tank with fine live foods suits this tiny species
Diet
Given its very small mouth, Nannostomus anduzei requires correspondingly tiny foods. Microworms, freshly hatched Artemia nauplii and other small live or frozen items are appropriate, alongside finely powdered dried foods.
Compatibility
This is a very peaceful nano fish that should be kept in a group and only with equally small, gentle companions such as Boraras and pygmy Corydoras. Larger or more active fish will outcompete it for food and may stress it.