Nannocharax Fasciatus

Nannocharax fasciatus is a laterally striped Citharinid from West Africa, displaying clearly defined alternating brown and cream horizontal bands from head to tail. This banding provides excellent camouflage against streaky leaf litter and sandy substrates. Like its relatives, it is primarily a bottom-oriented species that hugs the substrate.

Aquarium care parallels that of N. ansorgii: fine sand substrate, low flow, leaf litter, and soft slightly acidic water. The species is small enough for a well-designed 60-litre nano biotope and benefits from being kept in groups of six or more, which encourages more open, confident behaviour.

Nannocharax fasciatus feeds primarily on small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, frozen and live micro-foods such as daphnia, bloodworm, and baby brine shrimp should form the core of the diet, supplemented with sinking micro-pellets.

Water: Soft and slightly acidic, pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 22–26°C, GH 1–8, KH 0–4. Tank: Minimum 60 L with fine sand, leaf litter, and low flow replicating a forest-stream biotope. Feeding: Omnivore; frozen daphnia, bloodworm, baby brine shrimp, and sinking micro-pellets. Breeding: Egg scatterer on fine substrate; very soft acidic water; fry require micro-foods. Compatibility: Peaceful nano fish; best with similarly sized gentle West African species.