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Hockey Stick Pencilfish
Nannostomus eques
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Lebiasinidae
📍 Amazon Basin, Brazil & Peru
Distinctive pencilfish that swims at a 45° upward angle with its head tilted toward the surface. Copper-red body with a bold black lateral stripe. Fascinating schooling behaviour in planted tanks.
Care Guide
Diet
Hockey Stick Pencilfish are omnivores requiring small, high-quality foods suited to their tiny mouths. Feed a varied diet of micro pellets, crushed flakes, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia once daily in small portions. Supplement with occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae-based foods to ensure balanced nutrition.
Behavior
These fish exhibit fascinating schooling behavior, swimming at a distinctive 45° upward angle with their heads tilted toward the surface—a unique characteristic of the species. They are peaceful and relatively shy, preferring densely planted environments where they feel secure. They are most active during low-light periods and may hide during bright lighting conditions.
Breeding
Breeding Hockey Stick Pencilfish in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific conditions including soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), dense vegetation for egg scattering, and careful separation of fry. Success requires patience, experience, and ideal water parameters that mimic their natural habitat.
Tank Mates
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and preference for soft acidic water make them ideal companions
Small shrimp that won't prey on pencilfish; thrive in similar soft, planted tank conditions
Foreground plant that provides shelter and security; essential for creating the dense planted environment they prefer
Low-light tolerant plant that creates hiding spots and mimics their natural Amazon habitat
Peaceful dwarf cichlid with compatible water parameters, but monitor for aggression during breeding
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality through frequent water changes, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pristine conditions
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, loss of appetite, color fading, torn fins
Perform large water changes, maintain optimal water parameters (soft, acidic), use broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment if needed
Stress-Related Illness
Loss of color, hiding constantly, refusal to eat, weakened immune response
Ensure dense vegetation for security, maintain stable water parameters, avoid sudden changes, keep in groups of at least 6
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- diet
- omnivore/micro food
- maxSize
- 2 inches
- minTankSize
- 15 gallons
- temperature
- 73–82°F (23–28°C)
Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C