Edit Nannostomus minimus
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Name
Scientific name
Nannostomus minimus
Described by
Authority Eigenmann, Year 1909
Family
Lebiasinidae
Common names
Least Pencilfish
Photograph credits
All 5 credited
Summary
The least pencilfish, Nannostomus minimus, is a tiny lebiasinid from the Potaro and Mazaruni systems of the Essequibo basin in Guyana. The …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
23mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 45 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
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, Essequibo, Kurupung, Mazaruni, Potaro
Writing
Etymology
Nannostomus: from the Latin nannus, meaning 'small', and Greek stoma, meaning 'mouth', in reference to the small mouthparts of member species. minimus: from th…
Distribution
Type locality is 'Erukin, Guyana' which appears to correspond to a creek of that name within the Potaro River system, with one specimen also deriving from Amat…
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 45 ∗ 30 cm 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 and in a densely-planted, mature aquarium it's possible that small numbers of fry may start to appear without intervention. Howeve…
Notes
This species is poorly-known in the aquarium hobby but is available on occasion and has been exported under the name of its congener N. marilynae. Weitzman (19…
References
References
5 on this profile