Edit Nannostomus trifasciatus
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Name
Scientific name
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Described by
Authority Steindachner, Year 1876
Family
Lebiasinidae
Common names
Three-lined Pencilfish
Photograph credits
All 7 credited
Summary
The three-lined pencilfish, Nannostomus trifasciatus, is a lebiasinid widespread in the western Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, Colombia and …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
33mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 75 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–28°C, pH 4–7.5
Hardness
1–12dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Peru, Amazon, Branco, Guaporé, Japurá, Jurua, Madeira, Marañón, Nanay, Napo, Negro, Putumayo, Solimões, Ucayali, Yavarí
Writing
Etymology
Nannostomus: from the Latin nannus, meaning 'small', and Greek stoma, meaning 'mouth', in reference to the small mouthparts of member species. trifasciatus: fr…
Distribution
Type locality is 'Amazon River near mouth of Rio Negro and Tabatinga, Brazil', but this species is widespread throughout rivers of Guyana plus the western Amaz…
Habitat
Inhabits sluggish tributaries, small rivers and swampy areas, particularly in areas with dense growth of aquatic vegetation or submerged woody structures and l…
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of at least 75 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent are necessary if you wish to keep a mixed-sex group since males can be particularly aggressive towards one…
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
Temperature: 22 – 28 °C pH: 4.0 – 7.5, though wild fish may do best towards the middle and lower ends of this range. Hardness: 1 – 12 dGH; notes for wild fish …
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
Relatively peaceful and will not compete well with very boisterous or much larger tankmates. In a community it's best kept with similarly-sized, peaceful chara…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males are more intensely-coloured, especially when in spawning condition, while females are noticeably rounder-bodied.
Reproduction
An egg-scattering free spawner exhibiting no parental care. When in good condition adults will spawn often and in a mature aquarium it's possible that small nu…
Notes
This species is fairly ubiquitous in the aquarium trade and represents an excellent choice for the newcomer to pencilfishes since it's less demanding than many…
References
References
6 on this profile