How difficult is it to keep Dwarf Pencilfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Dwarf Pencilfish?

The ideal temperature for Dwarf Pencilfish is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Dwarf Pencilfish?

The average lifespan of Dwarf Pencilfish is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Dwarf Pencilfish get?

Dwarf Pencilfish typically reaches About 2.5-3.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Dwarf Pencilfish?

Dwarf Pencilfish feeds on: Fine dried foods, live and frozen brine shrimp, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Dwarf Pencilfish?

The price of Dwarf Pencilfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Dwarf Pencilfish

Intermediate

Nannostomus marginatus

A small pencilfish with three dark lateral stripes and a red blotch at the base of the caudal fin. It holds condition only in a settled, soft-water tank that has matured, and does poorly in bright, unsettled surroundings.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜28℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

About 2.5-3.5cm

Diet

Fine dried foods, live and frozen brine shrimp, Daphnia

About

Nannostomus marginatus is a small pencilfish found widely through Guyana and Suriname and the middle to lower Amazon east of the Andes in Peru, Colombia and Brazil. FishBase gives 3.5cm TL, pH 5.8-7.5, hardness to 15 dH and 24-26C, recommending groups of five or more in a tank of 60cm or longer, while Seriously Fish gives 2.5cm SL, 22-28C, pH 4.0-7.0, 1-10 dGH and a base of at least 45 by 30cm. Three dark stripes run along the flank, and a red blotch sits at the base of the caudal fin between the primary and secondary stripes. It lives in sluggish tributaries, small rivers and swampy areas, favouring dense aquatic vegetation, submerged wood and leaf litter. Typical habitats are shallow and nearly still, with hardness barely detectable, low conductivity and a pH of 4.0 to 6.0. The red and yellow markings vary from one population to another.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Dwarf Pencilfish

The Dwarf Pencilfish lives 3-5 years.

Size of the Dwarf Pencilfish

The Dwarf Pencilfish grows to About 2.5-3.5cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Dwarf Pencilfish

The ideal temperature for the Dwarf Pencilfish is 22〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America (Guyana and Suriname, plus the middle to lower Amazon east of the Andes in Peru, Colombia and Brazil)

Lifespan

3-5 years

Care Specifications

pH: 4–7
Hardness (GH): 1–10 dGH
Water Temp.: 22–28℃
Min. Tank: 41 L

PeacefulGroup

Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Nannostomus marginatus Eigenmann, 1909

Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.