Coral Red Pencil Fish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri) Med-Large

The Coral Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri), also known as Mortenthaler's Pencilfish, is a beautiful and peaceful freshwater fish species that is relatively small and requires specific care conditions. Here are the key details for keeping them in an aquarium:

1. Temperature: Coral Red Pencilfish prefer a tropical temperature range between 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C). Maintaining the water temperature within this range is essential for their health and well-being.

2. Minimum Tank Size: A suitable tank for Coral Red Pencilfish should be at least 10 gallons (approximately 38 liters). While they are small fish, they still require some swimming space, and a 10-gallon tank provides enough room for a small group of these fish.

Additional Details:

• Water Parameters: These fish thrive in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water conditions. A pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal, and a water hardness of 2 to 10 dGH (degrees of General Hardness) is suitable.

• Filtration: A good filtration system is important to maintain water quality. Pencilfish are sensitive to changes in water parameters, so regular water changes and a well-maintained filter are crucial.

• Aquascape: Creating a natural-looking aquarium with plants, driftwood, and rocks will help mimic their native habitat in the Amazon basin. Dense vegetation along with floating plants will provide shelter and shade, making the fish feel more secure.

• Tank Mates: Coral Red Pencilfish are peaceful and should be kept with other peaceful fish species. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, other peaceful pencilfish, dwarf cichlids, and some smaller catfish species. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or nippy fish.

• Feeding: These fish are primarily carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet. Offer them high-quality flake or pellet food, as well as live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and small insects. Providing a varied diet helps ensure they receive essential nutrients.

• Behavior: Coral Red Pencilfish are schooling fish, and they should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. Keeping them in a group helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.

• Breeding: If you wish to breed Coral Red Pencilfish, provide them with soft, acidic water conditions and plenty of plants. They are egg scatterers, and the female will lay her eggs among the plants. The parents may eat the eggs, so it's often best to provide a separate breeding tank.