Barred pencilfish (Nannostomus espei)

Scientific name: Nannostomus espei Meinken, 1956

Barred pencilfish (Nannostomus espei)

The Barred pencilfish (Nannostomus espei) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae that grows to about 4 cm (1.6 in). It is peaceful, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 55 L (15 US gal), water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 5.5–7.0. Native range: South America, Guyana, in the Mazaruni River system.

Barred pencilfish care at a glance

Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
4 cm (1.6 in)
Minimum tank
55 L (15 US gal)
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH
5.5–7.0
Hardness
4–10 dGH (71–178 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, pellets, freeze-dried foods, bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Biology

Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Nannostomus espei
Family
Lebiasinidae (Pencilfishes)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
4.0
Common length
2.8
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.5 - 7.0; dH range: 4 - 10 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Mazaruni River system, Guyana.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

More tetras & characins

See all tetras & characins

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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