Blackstripe pencilfish — a Lebiasinidae from 南美洲, peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Reaches 3.4–5 cm; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. 24–28 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
24–28 °C
pH
5.5–7
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
3.4–5 cm
Minimum tank
30 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers
Origin
南美洲
Species overview
Nannostomus harrisoni, a member of the family Lebiasinidae, is native to 南美洲. Its colours are honest signalling: pale, scattered fish are telling you something is wrong. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 3.4–5 cm. Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. Keep a proper school, dim the glare, and feed small foods several times a day. Maintain 24–28 °C at pH 5.5–7. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better
Diet
Small omnivore; quality flakes and small frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully
Avoid keeping with
Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Typical egg-scattering characin; adults eat the eggs