[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Characoids – Harrison’s Pencilfish (Nannostomus harrisoni)

This pencilfish possesses red markings on the pelvic, anal, and caudal fins. These, added to the snout-to-tail body band, make for an impressive show when the species is kept in a large shoal. This species possesses an adipose fin.

Synonym

• Poecilobrycon harrisoni

Family

• Lebiasinidae

Subfamily

• Pyrrhulininae

Distribution

• Guyana

Size

• Around 2 1/2in (6cm).

Behavior

• Peaceful shoaler, somewhat more timid than N. beckfordi; should not be kept with lively tankmates.

Diet

• Most small foods accepted, particularly livefoods.

Aquarium

• Thickly planted and with subdued lighting. Soft, slightly acid, nitrate- free water preferred (any changes in conditions must be carried out gradually), as is tannin-stained water. Temperature range: 73-81°F (23-27°C).

Breeding

• Subdued lighting, soft, acid water, and fine- leaved vegetation required. Water temperature should be maintained at around 86°F (30°C). Eggs are scattered among the vegetation and may be eaten by the spawners. Hatching takes 1-3 days.