Three Lined Pencilfish

Nannostomus trifasciatus

Three Lined Pencilfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in)
Aquarium size: 60 L or larger / ≥ 75 cm (≥ 29.5 in) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 23–27 °C
pH: 5.5–7
GH: 2–8 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 60 L or larger / ≥ 75 cm (≥ 29.5 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 5.5–7, GH 2–8 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Three Lined Pencilfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Three Lined Pencilfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Guyana, Bolivia.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 60 L or larger / ≥ 75 cm (≥ 29.5 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Barred Pencilfish Nannostomus espei Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3 cm (≤ 1.2 in) 21–27 °C Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in) 20–26 °C Blue Purple Emperor Tetra Inpaichthys kerri Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in) 22–26 °C Adonis Tetra Lepidarchus adonis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2 cm (≤ 0.8 in) 21–26 °C African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7 cm (≤ 2.8 in) 22–28 °C African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–27 °C

FAQ

How large does Three Lined Pencilfish get?

Three Lined Pencilfish reaches ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in).

What aquarium size does Three Lined Pencilfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 60 L or larger / ≥ 75 cm (≥ 29.5 in) minimum length.

Is Three Lined Pencilfish peaceful?

Yes. Three Lined Pencilfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Three Lined Pencilfish?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.