Two-lined Pencilfish

Nannostomus bifasciatus is a medium-sized pencilfish from the Amazon and its tributaries in Brazil and Peru. It carries two parallel bold dark stripes along its flanks — one along the mid-lateral line and a second ventral stripe — separated by a pale gold to cream band. In breeding condition, males develop attractive reddish fin highlights that contrast beautifully with the bold striping.

This species appreciates a well-planted aquarium with soft acidic water and some surface cover from floating plants. It is peaceful and blends naturally with other Amazonian soft-water species. A school of ten or more is recommended to observe their full range of schooling and courtship behaviour.

Diet should include a variety of small foods. Quality micro-pellets and crushed flake form the staple diet, supplemented generously with live or frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops for optimum condition.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 5.0–7.0, soft (GH 1–10, KH 0–5); tannin-stained water recommended. Tank: 60 L minimum; planted with gentle flow, open swimming space, and floating plant cover. Feeding: Micro-pellets, crushed flake, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; uses fine-leaved plants; condition with live foods; remove adults post-spawning. Compatibility: Peaceful with small tetras, nano rasboras, dwarf shrimp, and corydoras.