Water parameters
Overview
The dwarf pencilfish is the species with the shortest and stockiest body among the pencilfish; its adult size is about 3.5 cm. Its body bears dark horizontal lines with a reddish stripe between them; there are red spots on the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. Its small size and calm nature make it suitable for planted nano tanks.
Tank Setup
- At least 40 liters for a group of 8–12.
- 24–27°C, pH 5.5–7, soft water.
- Dense plants, floating plants and roots; gentle flow.
- It can jump; a lid is required.
Diet
Its mouth is very small. Micro granules, fine flakes, frozen cyclops and newly hatched brine shrimp are suitable. Feed small amounts 1–2 times a day; keep in mind that it may lose out at feeding time when kept with fast species.
Behavior and Compatibility
Peaceful and calm; it swims in a slightly lower layer than many other pencilfish. Harmless displays are seen between males. It can be kept safely with shrimp.
Good companions: micro rasboras, small tetras, pygmy corydoras, otocinclus, dwarf shrimp.
Avoid: fast and greedy species, large fish, fin nippers.
A short profile for this species
The Dwarf Pencilfish page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Flame Tetra
Blackfin Corydoras
Polystictus Corydoras
Emerald Cory
Porthole Catfish
Keyhole Cichlid
Cupid Cichlid
Geophagus altifrons
Geophagus surinamensis
Cryptocoryne Parva
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026