Marginatus Pencilfish Tetra (Nannostomus marginatus)- Live Fish

✏️ Marginatus Pencilfish (Nannostomus marginatus)

The slender, striped gem for peaceful aquariums

The Marginatus Pencilfish is a graceful, torpedo-shaped nano fish with horizontal black and gold stripes that add a touch of elegance to planted aquariums. Peaceful and active, they’re perfect for community setups, especially with other small, non-aggressive species. Their calm swimming style and subtle beauty make them a favorite for aquascapers.

🔍 Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Nannostomus marginatus

• Common Names: Marginatus Pencilfish, Dwarf Pencilfish

• Origin: South America (Guyana, Suriname, Brazil)

• Size: 1–1.5" (2.5–4 cm)

• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Care Level: Easy to moderate

🏡 Ideal Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

• Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)

• pH Range: 5.5–7.0

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Tank Setup Tips:

  • Keep in groups of at least 8–10 for comfort and natural behavior

  • Heavily planted aquariums with driftwood and leaf litter replicate their wild habitat

  • Gentle filtration and subdued lighting encourage their best colors

🍽️ Diet

Omnivorous and micro-predatory:

• High-quality micro-pellets or crushed flakes

• Live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, micro worms, and daphnia

• Occasional veggie-based supplements

🐣 Breeding

• Egg scatterers; will spawn in dense vegetation or spawning mops

• Best bred in a separate tank with soft, acidic water

• Remove adults after spawning to protect eggs

🌟 Fun Facts

• The name “pencilfish” comes from their slim, elongated shape

• They often swim at a slight head-up angle — a quirky and charming trait

• Their subtle colors intensify when they’re comfortable and in a well-planted setup

💧 Add the elegant Marginatus Pencilfish to your community tank and enjoy their peaceful beauty every day!