Brown Pencilfish (Nannostomus eques)

Fish in the family Lebiasinidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameNannostomus eques

FamilyLebiasinidae

Also known asDiptail Pencilfish, Hockey Stick Pencilfish

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietomnivore

Adult size2 in

Minimum tank size15 gallons

Water parametersTemp 73-82°F, pH 5.0-7.0, GH 1-8 dGH

Appearance

Slender brownish body with a diagonal dark stripe; characteristically swims at a 45-degree nose-up angle.

Difficulty and care for the Brown Pencilfish

Moderate

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon and Rio Negro basins)

Keeper notes

Peaceful; swims at a head-up angle and keeps to itself in loose groups.

Log Brown 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 Brown Pencilfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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