Purple Pencilfish (Nannostomus rubrocaudatus)
Fish in the family Lebiasinidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameNannostomus rubrocaudatus
FamilyLebiasinidae
Also known asRed-Tailed Pencilfish, Rubrocaudatus 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
Slim body washed in purple-violet with red caudal and fin highlights; closely related to the coral red pencilfish.
Difficulty and care for the Purple Pencilfish
Moderate
Origin and habitat
South America (Peru)
Keeper notes
Males spar over territory; keep a larger group to spread interactions.
Log Purple 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 Purple Pencilfish alongside everything else in your reef.
