One-lined Pencilfish

The one-lined pencilfish is recognized by the single thick black line that starts at the snout and runs down to the lower lobe of the tail, with a gold stripe above it. Like the hockey-stick pencilfish, it holds its head up with its body at a tilted angle. Males have a larger, more colorful anal fin. It is found in the trade less often; it is suitable for calm, planted aquariums.

• At least 60 liters for a group of 6–10.
• 24–28°C, pH 5–7, soft water.
• Floating plants and plants that reach the surface; gentle flow.
• It can jump; a lid is required.

It mostly takes its food from the surface. Fine floating flakes and micro granules, frozen cyclops, mosquito larvae and newly hatched brine shrimp are suitable. It rarely takes food that sinks to the bottom; feed small amounts 1–2 times a day.

Peaceful and calm; it waits in groups under floating plants. It does not harm other species and can be kept safely with shrimp.

Good companions: small tetras, other pencilfish, rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, dwarf cichlids, shrimp.

Avoid: species that grab food quickly at the surface, fin nippers, large predators.