Family: Lebiasinidae
Blackstripe pencilfish — a Lebiasinidae from South America, peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Reaches 3.4–5 cm; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. 24–28 °C.
Nannostomus harrisoni is a Lebiasinidae from South America. In the wild it prefers warm freshwater streams and lakes; in the aquarium it stays peaceful mid-water shoaler. Plan on 3.4–5 cm of adult fish at 24–28 °C. Related profiles: Nannostomus beckfordi, Nannostomus eques, Nannostomus marginatus.
Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better.
Set the heater to 24–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.5–7, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 3.4–5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 30 litres.
Small omnivore; quality flakes and small frozen foods. It forages naturally over fine sand and gravel, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. Good company: Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully. Keep away from Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks.
Native to South America, where it lives in warm freshwater streams and lakes. Still to gentle current; Moderate oxygen levels.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
In the aquarium: typical egg-scattering characin; adults eat the eggs. Subtle external differences.