Red Pencilfish

The Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri) is a captivating freshwater fish that adds a vibrant burst of color to any aquarium. Native to South America, these diminutive fish are renowned for their striking coloration and peaceful nature.

As their name suggests, their most striking feature is their vibrant red coloration that envelops their entire body and fins. This intense red hue creates a stunning contrast against two prominent black stripes running along their sides, resembling a perfectly drawn pencil. This unique combination of vibrant red and stark black markings makes them a truly mesmerizing sight to behold.

Beyond their striking appearance, Red Pencilfish are peaceful and social fish, making them excellent additions to community aquariums. They are happiest when kept in schools of at least six individuals, where they display a captivating display of coordinated movement, darting and weaving through the water column like a vibrant swarm.

However, it's important to note that they are best suited for aquariums with soft, acidic water, similar to their natural habitat. Maintaining these specific water parameters is crucial for their long-term health and well-being.

By providing them with the right tank conditions and compatible tank mates, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty and peaceful presence of Red Pencilfish, a truly captivating addition to any well-maintained aquarium.

Key Characteristics:

• Size: They are small, reaching a maximum size of around 1.4 inches (3.5 cm).
• Coloration: Their most distinctive feature is their vibrant red coloration that covers their entire body and fins, contrasting beautifully with two prominent black stripes running along their sides.
• Temperament: Red Pencilfish are peaceful and social fish, making them excellent additions to community aquariums. They are happiest when kept in schools of at least six individuals.
• Care Requirements:
  • Water Parameters: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 4.5-6.5, a temperature range of 72-79°F (22-26°C), and soft water.
  • Diet: They are omnivores and can be fed a variety of flake foods, frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and live foods like daphnia and mosquito larvae.
  • Tank Setup: A well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots is ideal for these fish. They enjoy swimming in the middle and upper levels of the water column.

Compatibility:

Red Pencilfish are peaceful and can coexist with a wide range of other peaceful community fish, including:

• Other Tetras: Neon Tetras, Glowlight Tetras, Rummynose Tetras, Black Skirt Tetras
• Rasboras: Harlequin Rasboras, Scissortail Rasboras
• Danios: Zebra Danios, Celestial Pearl Danios
• Corydoras Catfish: Peppered Corydoras, Panda Corydoras
• Dwarf Gouramis: Honey Gourami, Sparkling Gourami
• Kuhlis Loaches
• Otocinclus Catfish

Important Considerations:

• Water Quality: Maintaining good water quality is essential for their health. Regular water changes and proper filtration are necessary.
• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group of Red Pencilfish.

By providing the right tank conditions and compatible tank mates, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty and peaceful presence of Red Pencilfish in your aquarium.