Whiteside pencilfish (Nannostomus bifasciatus)

Scientific name: Nannostomus bifasciatus Hoedeman, 1954

The Whiteside pencilfish (Nannostomus bifasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–27°C (73–81°F). Native range: South America, Coastal rivers of Suriname and French Guiana.

Whiteside pencilfish care at a glance

Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)

Biology

Gregarious. Forms schools of about a dozen individuals. Frequently occurs upstream in counter current zones. Is an omnivore with a tendency to feed on insects. Crepuscular. Appreciated by aquarist notably for its tendency to live in groups and for it habit of swimming with the body oriented upwards. Reproduces in captivity. The spawned eggs, which are fixed to vegetal substrate, do not receive parental care.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Nannostomus bifasciatus
Family: Lebiasinidae (Pencilfishes)
Order: Characiformes (Characins)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 3.4
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 5.5 - 7.0; dH range: ? - 4 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Coastal rivers of Suriname and French Guiana.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial