Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They are extremely timid and shy, requiring a calm environment to thrive. Dense planting provides the security they need to venture out. Without adequate cover, they will remain stressed and hidden constantly.

Diet

Carnivore

As micro-predators, their mouths are too small for standard aquarium foods. They require infusoria, baby brine shrimp, and finely crushed quality flakes. A steady supply of microorganisms in a mature planted tank is highly beneficial.

Sex ratio

School

A mixed group with a natural ratio of males and females works perfectly. Males will often display to each other without causing physical harm. Keeping them in a group of ten or more encourages natural schooling.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

They should be fed tiny amounts two to three times a day. Their small digestive tracts cannot hold much food at once. Frequent micro-feedings ensure they remain healthy and vibrant.

Bioload

Anduze's Pencilfish is a micro-sized species that produces a virtually negligible bioload. Standard biological filtration is easily sufficient to handle their minimal waste output. They are perfect for nano aquariums or heavily planted setups.

Flow

Stagnant

They inhabit sluggish, weed-choked waters in the wild and prefer gentle flow. High water currents will quickly exhaust them and cause severe stress. Sponge filters are ideal for providing filtration without excessive water movement.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Breeding this species in captivity is quite difficult and rarely achieved. They are egg scatterers that require extremely soft, acidic water to spawn. A separate breeding setup with moss is mandatory for success.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are incredibly peaceful but extremely vulnerable due to their tiny size. They must only be kept with other micro fish, dwarf shrimp, or snails. Larger or boisterous fish will easily outcompete them for food.

Tank level

Top/Middle

They predominantly occupy the upper and middle levels of the water column. They love to hover among tall plants or floating vegetation. They rarely venture to the bottom unless searching for fallen food.