Digrammus Pencilfish

Nannostomus digrammus is a seldom-seen pencilfish from the blackwater rivers of Suriname and Guyana. It shares the bifasciatus body plan — two parallel dark stripes on a pale yellowish body — but is typically slightly smaller and originating from a distinct geographic range. The stripes are finely delineated and the body displays a subtle golden sheen when the fish is in optimal condition.

Because of its rarity in the hobby, N. digrammus is most often kept in species-dedicated setups where its requirements can be precisely met. It demands clean, soft, and acidic water with minimal water movement and plenty of vegetation. Tannin staining from Indian almond leaves or alder cones is beneficial.

The diet mirrors other Nannostomus: small live foods are preferred, with high-quality micro-pellets and crushed flake accepted as supplemental nutrition. Regular live-food feeding is important for maintaining good health in this delicate species.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 5.0–7.0, soft (GH 1–8, KH 0–4); blackwater tannin staining recommended. Tank: 60 L minimum; well-planted species tank, dark substrate, Indian almond leaves. Feeding: Baby brine shrimp, micro-worms, daphnia, crushed flake, micro-pellets. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; very soft acidic water required; rarely bred in captivity. Compatibility: Best in species tank or with other tiny, delicate blackwater fish.