Hockeystick Pencilfish

Nannostomus eques

Hockeystick Pencilfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBeginner

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Need help with Hockeystick Pencilfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 5–6.5
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: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 5–6.5, GH 1–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Hockeystick 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 floating or slow-sinking foods in the upper and middle water; avoid fast competitive feeders.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 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, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil.

Natural habitat: Slow or still tributaries, backwaters and swamps with dense vegetation and leaf litter.

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 ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Hockeystick Pencilfish get?

Hockeystick Pencilfish reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Hockeystick Pencilfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Hockeystick Pencilfish peaceful?

Yes. Hockeystick 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 Hockeystick Pencilfish?

Keep it between 23 to 28 °C.