Three-lined Pencilfish

Three-lined Pencilfish key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

About 3.3-3.6cm

Temperature

22〜28℃

Diet

Fine dried foods, live and frozen brine shrimp, Daphnia

Tank

Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 75 by 30cm, about 68 litres at 30cm depth. Break up lines of sight with floating plants, driftwood branches and dried leaf litter. Males are particularly aggressive to one another, so a mixed-sex group needs plenty of visual barriers. The decaying leaves seed microbe colonies that serve as a secondary food for fry.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 22-28C, pH 4.0-7.5 and 1-12 dGH; FishBase points to softer water still, pH 5.5-7.0 with hardness to 4 dH at 24-28C. Its habitat has barely detectable hardness at pH 4.0 to 6.0, so soft, slightly acidic water suits it.

Tank Mates

In the wild it shares its water with small characids, other lebiasinids and dwarf cichlids. It is peaceful, but males fight hard among themselves, so a mixed-sex group is hard to hold in a bare tank. Its mouth is small, so avoid fish that will out-compete it at feeding time.

Diet & Feeding

FishBase records worms, crustaceans and insects in the wild. In the aquarium, combine finely ground dried food with small live or frozen items such as brine shrimp and Daphnia.

Breeding & Spawning

Since its habitat is very soft water at pH 4.0 to 6.0, a breeding attempt would mean reproducing that chemistry in dim surroundings.

Health & Notes

FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. Colour varies widely between populations, and some were once described as separate species. The form sold as super red carries a longer red stripe but is the same fish.

About Three-lined Pencilfish

A small pencilfish with three dark stripes and red patches along its body. Coloration varies by origin and intensifies in soft water; recommended for intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Three-lined Pencilfish

1. 1Slender Body, Schooling Charm

   Their pencil-like slender body is the hallmark of this species, and they show their natural, settled demeanor best when kept in a group of their own kind rather than alone. Planning to bring home several at once makes it easier to enjoy watching them in the tank.

2. 2Colors Shine in Soft Water

   The three body stripes and red patches show their sharpest color under the right water conditions. Maintaining softer water tends to bring out their true coloration more clearly.

3. 3Red Intensity Varies by Origin

   The pattern of red coloration differs depending on collection locality, and individuals with elongated red streaks are distinguished as "Super Red." Even within the same species, you can enjoy noticeable variation in appearance.

4. 4Calm but Somewhat Shy

   They have a peaceful temperament and generally do well alongside other small, calm fish, but they can be somewhat timid. Adding plants or driftwood for cover helps them feel secure.

5. 5Best Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Some prior experience with water quality management and group-keeping helps in maintaining their condition well.

6. 6Mid-Water Swimming Habit

   In the aquarium they mainly occupy the mid-water column, rarely spending much time near the surface or bottom. Pairing them with fish that favor other levels helps balance activity throughout the tank.

7. 7Tank Setup Before Bringing Them Home

   Since they can be a little shy, it helps to prepare a calm environment with plants and driftwood before bringing them home. Introducing them into a tank with already stable water quality is also important.

Frequently asked questions about Three-lined Pencilfish

Q.Is this species regulated under CITES?

A.The Three-lined Pencilfish is not listed under CITES.

Q.Can beginners keep this fish?

A.This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. It's best to have some experience with water quality management and group-keeping before bringing them home.

Q.How large do they grow as adults?

A.Adults reach roughly 3.3 to 3.6 cm (about 1.3 to 1.4 in), making them a small pencilfish species.

Q.Can they be kept with other fish?

A.They have a calm temperament and generally do well with other small, peaceful fish, though providing hiding places helps them feel more secure since they can be a bit shy.

Q.What does "Super Red" refer to?

A.It's a trade name for individuals, typically from certain localities, whose red streaks along the body are especially long and pronounced.

Useful tools for Three-lined Pencilfish care

Learn more about Three-lined Pencilfish in the encyclopedia

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