Espei Pencilfish

Nannostomus espei

Also known as Barred Pencilfish, Espei's Pencilfish

Animalia›Chordata›Characiformes›Lebiasinidae

The Espei Pencilfish is a small, slender freshwater fish native to South America, known for its elegant elongated body and peaceful demeanor. These fish are excellent for nano and planted aquariums, displaying active schooling behavior in groups. They are relatively hardy and make an ideal choice for beginner to intermediate aquarists seeking a unique, community-friendly species.

Where it's from

Native to the Essequibo and Orinoco river basins

Guyana, Colombia and Venezuela

At a glance

Size: 1.2 in; 3 cm
Min tank: 10 gal; 38 L
Group: 6+
Temp: 72–79°F; 22–26°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
GH: 36–143 ppm; 2–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Top
Lifespan: 3-5 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Espei Pencilfish are omnivores that prefer small live foods such as micro worms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Supplement with high-quality micro pellets and finely crushed flake food. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes.

Behavior

These fish are active schoolers that display best behavior when kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. They are peaceful and non-aggressive, spending most of their time in the middle water column. They exhibit natural schooling patterns and are most active during dawn and dusk hours.

Breeding

Breeding Espei Pencilfish in captivity is moderately difficult and requires soft, acidic water conditions (pH 5.5-6.5) and dense vegetation or spawning mops. Females will scatter eggs among plants, and parents should be removed after spawning to prevent egg predation. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Tank mates

See all 5

Neon Tetra

Similar size and peaceful temperament, thrive in same water conditions

excellent

Cardinal Tetra

Compatible schooling fish with identical care requirements

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom dweller that won't compete for food or space

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that helps with algae control and won't harm pencilfish

good

Java Fern

Provides shelter and natural environment without being uprooted by these gentle fish

excellent

Fits a 10-gallon tank Beginner-friendly Peaceful

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Lista Roja de la Fauna Venezolana 2015 (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).