How difficult is it to keep Three-lined Pencilfish?

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

What is the ideal temperature for Three-lined Pencilfish?

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

What is the lifespan of Three-lined Pencilfish?

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

How large does Three-lined Pencilfish get?

Three-lined Pencilfish typically reaches About 3.3-3.6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Three-lined Pencilfish?

Three-lined 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 Three-lined Pencilfish?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Three-lined Pencilfish

Intermediate

Nannostomus trifasciatus

A pencilfish with three dark stripes along the flank and red marks between them. The extent of the red varies by population, and a long-striped form is traded as the super red. It shows its true colour in soft water.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜28℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

About 3.3-3.6cm

Diet

Fine dried foods, live and frozen brine shrimp, Daphnia

About

Nannostomus trifasciatus is a pencilfish found widely in the rivers of Guyana and the western Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. The type locality is the Amazon near the mouth of the Rio Negro and at Tabatinga in Brazil. FishBase gives 3.6cm SL, pH 5.5-7.0, hardness to 4 dH and 24-28C, while Seriously Fish gives 3.3cm SL, 22-28C, pH 4.0-7.5, 1-12 dGH and a base of at least 75 by 30cm. Three dark stripes run along the flank with red marks between them. It lives in sluggish tributaries, small rivers and swampy areas among dense plants, submerged wood and leaf litter. Typical habitats are shallow and nearly still, with hardness barely detectable and a pH of 4.0 to 6.0. Wild fish are still exported regularly, but most of those on sale are farmed.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Three-lined Pencilfish

The Three-lined Pencilfish lives 3-5 years.

Size of the Three-lined Pencilfish

The Three-lined Pencilfish grows to About 3.3-3.6cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Three-lined Pencilfish

The ideal temperature for the Three-lined Pencilfish is 22〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America (rivers of Guyana and the western Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia)

Lifespan

3-5 years

Care Specifications

pH: 4–7.5
Hardness (GH): 1–12 dGH
Water Temp.: 22–28℃
Min. Tank: 68 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 trifasciatus Steindachner, 1876

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.