Overview

A small Peruvian pencilfish sold as Peru Red II, a trade name associated with Nannostomus rubrocaudatus. The cf. qualifier indicates a likely identification requiring confirmation. Adults are around 3–3.5cm.

Scientific name: Nannostomus cf. rubrocaudatus

Behaviour

Despite their size, males can be territorial towards one another. Plan a group of ten or more with broken sight lines, rather than keeping three fish in a bare nano aquarium.

Tank Size

Our recommended minimum is 100 litres with a 90 × 30cm base for a mixed-sex group. The footprint provides space for male territories; a tall cube is a poor substitute.

These are adult housing recommendations; choose more space when adding tank mates. Allow for space occupied by substrate and décor when comparing aquarium capacities.

Compatibility

Best in a quiet species-focused aquarium or with very small gentle soft-water companions. Avoid boisterous feeders and large fish. Small size does not automatically mean easy community suitability.

Diet

Provide tiny micro-pellets if accepted and daily small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, Moina or finely sized daphnia. Observe each fish eating; ordinary large flakes may be unsuitable.

Care

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 5.0–7.0
• General hardness: 1–5 dGH

Use dense plants, shaded areas, gentle filtration and an established aquarium. This is a specialist soft-water choice; check hardness before purchase. Separate a repeatedly chased individual. Confirm the trade identity before breeding or mixing it with other red pencilfish.

Add only to a fully cycled aquarium. Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0mg/l. Start with a 25–30% weekly water change using dechlorinated, temperature-matched water and adjust to test results and stocking. Rinse biological filter media in removed aquarium water rather than under the tap.

Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only. You can order online, choose click and collect, and we will hold your order for collection in store.