Edit Nannostomus espei
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Nannostomus espei
Described by
Authority Meinken, Year 1956
Family
Lebiasinidae
Summary
The barred pencilfish, Nannostomus espei, is a lebiasinid considered endemic to the Mazaruni River system in Guyana. The only member of the…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
30mm, standard length
Tank size
Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 22–28°C, pH 4–6.5
Hardness
1–5dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Guyana, Eping, Kurupung, Mazaruni, Tabuba
Supporting text
Etymology
Nannostomus: from the Latin nannus, meaning 'small', and Greek stoma, meaning 'mouth', in reference to the small mouthparts of member species.
Distribution
The original description contained no type locality but this species is currently considered endemic to the Mazaruni River system in Guyana, including many of …
Habitat
Inhabits sluggish blackwater tributaries, small rivers and swampy areas, particularly in areas with dense growth of aquatic or overhanging riparian vegetation,…
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of at least 60 ∗ 30 cm24 ∗ 12 in or equivalent are required.
Maintenance
Should ideally be kept in a heavily-planted set-up, preferably with a dark substrate. The broken lines of sight that exist in such a display allow it to displa…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
A micropredator feeding on tiny invertebrates and other zooplankton in nature. In the aquarium it will accept dried foods of a suitable size but should also be…
Behaviour and compatibility
Very peaceful but does not make an ideal community fish due to its small size and rather timid nature. Ideally it should be maintained alone or at most with di…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males are more intensely-patterned, possess more colour in the fins, and are usually slimmer than females.
Reproduction
Has been achieved in aquaria, albeit rarely, and in a densely-planted, mature aquarium it's possible that small numbers of fry may start to appear without inte…
Notes
This species is sometimes traded as 'Espei's', 'four-barred' or 'banded' pencilfish and is sought after in the aquarium hobby, though normally quite expensive …
References
References
4 on this profile