Brown pencilfish (Nannostomus eques)

Scientific name: Nannostomus eques Steindachner, 1876

The Brown pencilfish (Nannostomus eques) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–28°C (73–82°F). Native range: South America, central and upper Amazon.

Brown pencilfish care at a glance

Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)

Biology

Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. Oviparous. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Nannostomus eques
Family: Lebiasinidae (Pencilfishes)
Order: Characiformes (Characins)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 5.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 5.0 - 6.0; dH range: 5 - 12 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: central and upper Amazon.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm = 2)