Coral Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri)
Fish in the family Lebiasinidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameNannostomus mortenthaleri
FamilyLebiasinidae
Also known asRed Arc Pencilfish, Ruby Red Pencilfish, Peru Red Pencil
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
Dietomnivore
Adult size1.4 in
Minimum tank size10 gallons
Water parametersTemp 74-82°F, pH 4.5-6.8, GH 1-6 dGH
Appearance
Stunning deep coral-red body with two black lateral stripes; among the most vividly colored pencilfish.
Difficulty and care for the Coral Red Pencilfish
Moderate
Origin and habitat
South America (Rio Nanay, Peru)
Keeper notes
Males are territorial and squabble fiercely with each other; keep a larger group with sightline breaks to diffuse aggression.
Log Coral Red 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 Coral Red Pencilfish alongside everything else in your reef.
