Coral Red Pencilfish

Nannostomus sp.

Coral Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus sp.) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 14.5 US gal min; aim for 75–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Coral Red Pencilfish is ideal for aquarists seeking a small, vibrant addition to a well-planned mid-level community tank.

Coral Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus sp.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size14.5 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature75–82°F
Max size1.2 in (3.0 cm)
Captive lifespan5–10 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

South America

  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Coral Red Pencilfish Tank Setup

Create a structured tank with ample mid-level swimming space, incorporating plants and driftwood to provide cover and visual barriers. Maintain moderate water flow and use a soft substrate to promote comfort, while ensuring lighting is not too harsh, as it can stress the fish.

What Do Coral Red Pencilfishs Eat?

They are opportunistic feeders with a fast feeding response, so ensure food reaches all levels of the tank to minimize competition. High-quality flake and live foods will enhance their coloration, but avoid overfeeding to prevent health issues.

Coral Red Pencilfish Tank Mates

Best suited with similarly sized, non-aggressive species like small tetras or rasboras. Larger or overly active fish may intimidate them, and even within their own species, competition can arise if groups are not adequately sized or structured.

Are Coral Red Pencilfishs Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate their need for structured environments or fail to recognize the importance of proper group dynamics. Inadequate hiding spots can lead to stress and aggression, while overstocking may exacerbate territorial disputes.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.