Three-lined Pencilfish

The three-lined pencilfish is recognized by one main and two thin dark lines running along its slender, elongated body, with gold stripes between the lines. There are bright red spots at the base of the dorsal, anal, pelvic and tail fins. It is one of the most colorful pencilfish. At night its coloration changes and the lines are replaced by dark blotches.

• At least 60 liters for a group of 6–10.
• 24–28°C, pH 5–7, soft water.
• Dense plants, floating plants, roots and dim light.
• It is a good jumper; a lid is required.

Its mouth is small. Fine flakes, micro granules, frozen cyclops, daphnia and newly hatched brine shrimp are suitable. It mostly takes food from the upper and middle layers; feed small amounts 1–2 times a day.

Peaceful and calm. Males set up small territories and put on harmless displays to each other. When kept with fast, greedy species, it loses out at feeding time.

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

Avoid: fast and greedy species, fin nippers, large predators.