Dwarf Pencilfish

Common name Dwarf Pencilfish Picture of Dwarf Pencilfish
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Nannostomus marginatus

Synonyms

Size 2" (5cm)

Origin Amazon

Tank setup Planted tank, with subdued lighting.

Compatibility Peaceful, community - may be eaten by larger tankmates.

Temperature 24-28^oC (75-82^oF)

Water chemistry Soft and acidic preferable.

Feeding Omnivorous: small live, frozen and dry foods.

Sexing Adult males are slimmer than females, and may show more red in the fins.

Breeding An egg scatterer, which is difficult to breed. Provide fine-leaved plants or Java moss and raise temperature to around 30^oC (86^oF). Hatching takes around two days.

Comments Tannin stained water is preferable for this species, which can be supplied by bogwood, the addition of peat to the filter, or commercial 'blackwater' extracts.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Dwarf Pencilfish	Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Nannostomus marginatus
Synonyms
Size	2" (5cm)
Origin	Amazon
Tank setup	Planted tank, with subdued lighting.
Compatibility	Peaceful, community - may be eaten by larger tankmates.
Temperature	24-28^oC (75-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Soft and acidic preferable.
Feeding	Omnivorous: small live, frozen and dry foods.
Sexing	Adult males are slimmer than females, and may show more red in the fins.
Breeding	An egg scatterer, which is difficult to breed. Provide fine-leaved plants or Java moss and raise temperature to around 30^oC (86^oF). Hatching takes around two days.
Comments	Tannin stained water is preferable for this species, which can be supplied by bogwood, the addition of peat to the filter, or commercial 'blackwater' extracts.