Barred Pencilfish (Nannostomus espei)

Fish in the family Lebiasinidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameNannostomus espei

FamilyLebiasinidae

Also known asEspe's Pencilfish, Hi-Spot Pencilfish

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietomnivore

Adult size1.4 in

Minimum tank size10 gallons

Water parametersTemp 74-82°F, pH 5.0-7.0, GH 1-8 dGH

Appearance

Golden body marked with a row of dark comma-shaped blotches instead of continuous stripes, with red touches on the fins.

Difficulty and care for the Barred Pencilfish

Moderate

Origin and habitat

South America (Mazaruni River, Guyana)

Keeper notes

Peaceful nano schooler; unusual among pencilfish for its comma-shaped bars rather than stripes.

Log Barred Pencilfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Barred Pencilfish alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app