Tri-Colour Pencil Fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Native Location: Amazon River
Climate: Tropical
Maximum Size: 3.5cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Breeding: Moderate
Temperature Range: 22-28℃ (72-82℉)
Preferred pH Range: 4.0 - 7.5
Minimum Aquarium Size: 75cm x 30cm for a mixed group
Potential Tankmates: Peaceful Tetras, Apistogramma, Plecos
Care Level: Easy
The Tri-Colour Pencilfish is found in most of the tributaries of the Amazon river. Its chosen habitat is sluggish and almost still, dark and very soft water. With dense aquatic plants, fallen leaves and plenty of wood from the trees above, the Tri-colour pencil fish is the ideal choice for biotope enthusiasts.
Setting up an aquarium for these lovely little fish allows for much creativity and an interesting selection of fish and plants. Firstly, the substrate should be dark and suitable for growing aquatic plants such as Amazon Swords, cryptocoryne and Java fern. The addition of leaf litter will produce the tannic acid needed to tint the water and create the dark, tea-like colour found in nature. We recommend adding lots of branches among the plants to reduce skittishness among your group.
It is known that the Tri-Colour Pencilfish are active micro-predators and spend all day hunting down tiny microorganisms. In the home aquarium, we can provide this vital food source by maintaining a variety of leaves and pods on the substrate. Over time, they will decompose so regularly adding new leaves is needed. Additionally, live foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp can be offered.
Breeding Pencilfish can be done in two ways. You can either maintain a group of adults in a mature and heavily planted aquarium, allowing eggs to be scattered among the plants below or a dedicated aquarium can be set up and after the eggs are scattered, parents can be removed to allow the fry to grow.
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat for any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.
