Characins - Part 7 of 9
Pencilfish
Pencilfish
Pencilfish are characterized by two easily recognizes features. One being a stripe running horizontally through their body, the other being the head up stance they generally assume (just the opposite of their cousins, the headstanders). Another identifying feature of pencilfish is the lack of an adipose fin, that is the mark of most species of the Characin family. Pencils are timid fish, who often hide themselves from view during the day. Though timid, they make a good addition to a community tank if a school of a half dozen or more is kept. Cichilid owners often keep schools of pencilfish as dithers.
Soft water slightly acid water, coupled with both planted and floating live plants will ensure good health in pencilfish. In their natural habitat, they are evening feeders, a fact that should be remembered when caring for them in home aquaria. They will accept a variety of foods including flake and live foods. Because they are insect eaters in the wild, Daphnia and mosquito larvae are preferred foods.
Pencilfish exhibit diurnal color changes, displaying more intense coloration during the evening and nighttime hours. Breeding of pencilfish is relatively easy in species such as Nannostomus Marginatus (Dwarf Pencilfish), Nannostomus beckfordi (Beckman's or Golden Pencilfish), and Nannostomus trifasciatus (three-lined Pencilfish). Very soft water, water temp of 78 to 80 degrees, and conditioning with live foods will usually trigger spawning. Once eggs have been laid, the parents should be removed as they will eat the eggs. The fry will emerge in three days and can be fed on infusoria
Characin features coming up ...
Pacus and Silver Dollars
Piranhas
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Pencilfish Links |
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Dwarf Pencil Fish
(P) Golden Pencil Fish (P) Lebiasinidae (P) Pencilfish Pencil Fishes |
* Art and photos are the property of Shirlie Sharpe. If you use them please write for permission.
Characins - Part 2
Characins - Part 3
Characins - Part 4
Characins - Part 5
Characins - Part 6
