Dwarf Pencilfish
Nannostomus marginatus
Dwarf Pencilfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Dwarf Pencilfish?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 1" (≤ 2.5 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Middle to top swimmer
- Temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH
- 4–7
- GH
- 1–10 dGH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner.
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 4–7, GH 1–10 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Dwarf 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
Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.
Give small live/frozen planktonic invertebrates daily and fine prepared feed, away from vigorous competitors.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Guyana, Suriname.
Important notes
- Its size and timid feeding make it unsuitable for busy communities or predators despite peaceful temperament; preferable group ten or more.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Dwarf Pencilfish get?
Dwarf Pencilfish reaches ≤ 1" (≤ 2.5 cm).
What aquarium size does Dwarf Pencilfish need?
Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Is Dwarf Pencilfish peaceful?
Yes. Dwarf 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 Dwarf Pencilfish?
Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.
