Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Nannostomus marginatus
Nannostomus marginatus picturatus
Common name
Dwarf pencilfish
Origin
Origin: Guyana, Suriname, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia
Biotope: Amazonian
Dimorphism
The male's anal fin is edged in black and the pelvic fins are red. The female is more bouncy and less colored.
Group
Lebiasinidae
Volume
50 L / 11 imp gal / 13 US gal
Parameters
T°: 24 to 26°C or 75 to 79°F
pH: 5.5 to 7
Hardness: 4 to 7°dGH
Difficulty
Average
Size
3.5cm (1.2")
Longevity
2 to 3 years
Living zone
Middle and Top
Individuals
8
Food
How to feed the Nannostomus marginatus?
Food
How to feed the Nannostomus marginatus?
Omnivorous: all forms of small food are accepted. Insectivore tendency.
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Nannostomus marginatus have?
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Nannostomus marginatus have?
The dwarf penguin fish is calm, shy and sociable. Nevertheless, it is a very fast swimmer. Relatively passive during the day, it is mostly active in the evening. They are gregarious and must be kept in schools. Indeed, the larger the group, the more comfortable this little fish will feel.
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Nannostomus marginatus?
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Nannostomus marginatus?
It's very peaceful and peaceable. However, it will not easily coexist with all species. Indeed, he is rather shy and many fish will frighten him. In addition, he fears food competition with more lively species. For his comfort, the ideal is therefore to keep him in a specific aquarium. In the case of a community tank, the latter must be well thought out and adapted to its needs. In general, you can associate him with small and peaceful fish. It will cohabit with small peaceful Characids, Dwarf Cichlids or Corydoras.
Breeding
How to breed the Nannostomus marginatus?
Breeding
How to breed the Nannostomus marginatus?
Its reproduction is rather difficult even if sometimes it has been spontaneously observed in aquariums that it likes. The laying trough (15 L / 3Imp Gal / 4 US Gal) will be very densely planted with fine-leaved plants such as Java Moss or Taxiphyllum. Temperature 26/28°C (79/82°F), pH at 6/6.5, no carbonates, and diffuse lighting (you can even remove the lighting). Separate the sexes for 15 days before spawning, then select a couple and introduce them into the breeding aquarium. You will leave it in this tank for 2 to 3 days. Up to 100 eggs can be laid and incubation lasts 24 hours.
Fry food: Artemia nauplia.
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Nannostomus marginatus?
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Nannostomus marginatus?
Specific aquarium preferable. This species should never be introduced into an unstabilized or immature aquarium as the water parameters must be stable from the moment it arrives.
For its well-being, opt for dark gravel and a well planted tank in the corners, leaving plenty of space for swimming on the surface. Add floating plants with long roots and a few branches.
You can also add a few dried oak or beech leaves to lightly colour the water. In addition, these leaves are an excellent bacterial carrier and improve the water chemistry.
Peat filtration is also recommended.
Finally, install a light current in the intermediate zone because this fish does not like too strong currents.
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
The dwarf pencil fish is quite fragile and susceptible to disease.
It changes colour day/night so don't worry if your fish doesn't look the same when you turn on the lights in the morning.
There are 3 colour varieties: Peru, Colombia and Guyana.
Yours photos!
By Encyclo-Caro
By Encyclo-Caro
By Encyclo-Caro
By Encyclo-Caro
By Encyclo-Caro
Comments
Sort by:
Please login to post comments
