Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Peaceful

They are remarkably peaceful, somewhat shy, and easily stressed by boisterous activity. Providing ample plant cover gives them the confidence to swim openly. Once settled, their distinctive comma-shaped markings and calm demeanor are beautiful.

Diet

Carnivore

They are micro-predators requiring appropriately sized, high-quality foods. Crushed premium flakes, micro-pellets, and baby brine shrimp are excellent choices. Live cultures like microworms are highly beneficial for their overall vitality.

Sex ratio

School

Keeping a mixed-sex group of at least six individuals is recommended. Males may engage in harmless lateral displays to establish a mild hierarchy. A larger group helps them feel secure and displays their natural schooling behaviors.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feed them very small amounts two to three times a day. Their tiny mouths and digestive systems cannot process large, infrequent meals. Careful feeding ensures all individuals in the school receive adequate nutrition.

Bioload

Low

Espe's Pencilfish produces a very low bioload, similar to other micro fish. They are well-suited for smaller, biologically established aquariums with pristine conditions. A gentle filtration system easily handles their minimal waste production.

Flow

Strong

They prefer calm, slow-moving waters characteristic of their natural habitats. Strong currents from powerheads or large filters will quickly tire them out. A sponge filter provides the perfect balance of gentle flow and filtration.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Oviparous

Breeding Espe's Pencilfish is a rare achievement requiring highly specific water parameters. They are egg scatterers that lay their eggs among fine-leaved aquatic mosses. The parents will consume the eggs, so immediate separation is necessary.

Compatibility & tankmates

Community

They are highly peaceful and do well in communities of small, non-aggressive fish. Ideal tank mates include dwarf rasboras, small peaceful tetras, and shrimp. Larger fish will easily intimidate them and outcompete them for food.

Tank level

Middle

They primarily inhabit the middle to upper levels of the aquarium. They appreciate tanks with tall background plants that reach the surface. They rarely descend to the bottom substrate during normal daylight hours.