Red Fin Banded Pencilfish - Nannostomus erythrurus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Red Fin Banded Pencilfish (Nannostomus erythrurus) is characterized by its relatively peaceful demeanour while exhibiting intriguing social dynamics in its shoaling behaviour. Despite their sociable nature, these fish tend to display a distinct preference for shoaling rather than schooling, with territorial males occasionally engaging in sparring during daylight hours as they establish and defend their small territories.
To ensure a harmonious social dynamic, keeping a group of at least ten individuals, preferably more, is advisable as a larger shoal instils confidence within the fish, allowing them to exhibit more natural behaviours.
When choosing tankmates for the Red Fin Banded Pencilfish, it is best to opt for similarly-sized peaceful species, such as Tetras, smaller Catfish species, Rasboras, Barbs, and Dwarf Gouramis. Additionally, these Pencilfish serve as excellent dither fish for Apistogrammas and other Dwarf Cichlids, given their preference for the middle-to-upper levels of the aquarium and their lack of threat to fry.
Caution should be exercised during the selection process, particularly in smaller aquariums, to avoid calm surface-dwelling species like hatchet fish, as well as larger and more boisterous species.
Creating an optimal habitat for the Red Fin Banded Pencilfish involves establishing a heavily-planted aquarium adorned with a dark substrate. The addition of floating plants and the incorporation of dried leaf litter and driftwood branches contribute to an authentic natural aesthetic. Moderate water movement is sufficient for these fish, and a small air-powered sponge filter is more than adequate for providing suitable filtration.
Red Fin Banded Pencilfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Accurately discerning between male and female Red Fin Banded Pencilfish can pose a moderate challenge. Males generally exhibit a slightly slender body structure and boast more vivid colours in comparison to females, although these characteristics may not consistently manifest. Consequently, precise gender identification within this species requires attentive observation and a keen eye for these subtle visual cues.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Nannostomus erythrurus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1909 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Lebiasinidae |
| Genus | Nannostomus |
| Origins | Guyana , Bolivia , Brazil |
| Max Size | 3 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 10 |
| TDS | 18 - 215 |
| ℉ | 71 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
The Red Fin Banded Pencilfish is a species native to South America, found explicitly in the regions of Guyana, Bolivia, and Brazil. These Pencilfish are typically found in the habitats of small, sluggish streams characterized by dense vegetation. The aquatic environment they inhabit is marked by a substantial layer of decomposing leaf litter, leading to elevated water acidity levels.
Breeding
Breeding Red Fin Banded Pencilfish can be a relatively straightforward process, albeit requiring a separate breeding tank to maximize the yield of fry.
To create an ideal breeding environment, it's essential to use dim lighting and incorporate bunches of fine-leaved plants, like Java Moss, within the tank. These plants provide suitable surfaces for the Pencilfish to scatter their eggs upon during spawning. Alternatively, spawning mops, plastic grass-like matting, a layer of glass marbles, or a mesh can serve as suitable mediums.
To optimize breeding success, it's advisable to maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH levels in the water and slightly higher temperatures than the community aquarium. Adequate water movement and oxygenation can be ensured by introducing an air-powered sponge filter or an air stone into the breeding tank.
For group spawning, it is recommended to have approximately half a dozen individuals of each sex within the breeding tank. Before initiating the spawning process, it is crucial to condition these Pencilfish with a nutritious diet consisting of ample live and frozen foods, facilitating successful breeding with minimal complications.
Alternatively, pair spawning is another viable approach. Separate groups of males and females should be conditioned in dedicated tanks with a high-quality diet of live and frozen foods. Once the females exhibit full egg development and the males display their most vibrant colours, selecting the healthiest female and the best-coloured male for introduction into the breeding tank is advisable. The spawning process is expected to occur the following morning.
Approximately 2 to 3 days after spawning, it is recommended to remove the adult fish from the breeding tank, allowing the eggs and subsequent fry to develop undisturbed. Around three days after the adults' removal, the first signs of fry should become visible within the tank.
During the initial stages, nourishing the fry with Paramecium or appropriately sized dry food is recommended. As the fry grows, transitioning them to suitable food sources, such as microworms or baby brine shrimp, becomes essential once they reach an appropriate size.
By adhering to these breeding protocols and providing the necessary care, aquarists can enjoy the rewarding experience of successfully breeding Red Fin Banded Pencilfish and witnessing the growth and development of their vibrant fry.
Diet & Feeding
In their natural habitat, the Red Fin Banded Pencilfish employ a micro-predator feeding strategy, primarily targeting minuscule invertebrates and zooplankton. Nevertheless, upon acclimation to the aquarium environment, these fish demonstrate dietary adaptability, readily accepting high-quality, suitably sized, dried foods.
To ensure their optimal nutritional intake, it is vital to supplement their diet with regular offerings of small live and frozen foods. Bloodworms, white mosquito larvae, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp are excellent choices to enhance their nutritional diversity and promote the overall well-being of these captivating Pencilfish within the confines of the aquarium.
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