TankHaven
Coral Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri)

Coral Red Pencilfish

Nannostomus mortenthaleri

freshwaterhard to keepfishpeacefulswims topmay eat shrimp

Needs soft, acidic water and small, frequent meals. Males spar but rarely injure each other.

Adult size
1.4 in
Smallest tank
20 gal
Keep them in groups of
6+
Temperature
73–82 °F
pH · hardness
4.5–7 · 1–8 dGH
Food
Micropredator: small live and frozen foods, micro pellets
Start a freshwater build to add this

Gets along with

Chili RasboraNerite SnailRamshorn SnailMalaysian Trumpet SnailAssassin SnailGhost ShrimpBetta (male)Ember Tetra

Think twice about

Cherry Shrimp — shrimp it would huntBlue Dream Shrimp — shrimp it would huntWhite Cloud Mountain Minnow — needs 60–72 °FCrystal Red Shrimp — shrimp it would huntTiger Shrimp — shrimp it would huntRabbit Snail — needs pH 7.2–8.5

Easy plants for the same tank

SalviniaAmazon FrogbitDwarf Water LettuceDuckweedRed Root FloaterAnubias Nana

Care ranges are typical hobby guidance and vary by source and by where the animal came from. Ask your supplier and watch your own tank. Spot a mistake on this page? Let me know.