CORAL RED PENCIL FISH

🔴 Coral Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri) – Brilliant Red Nano Fish for Peaceful Planted Tanks

The Coral Red Pencilfish is one of the most vibrantly colored nano fish in the aquarium hobby. With its fiery red body, jet-black horizontal stripe, and elegant pencil-like shape, this species brings electric contrast and schooling behavior to any peaceful, planted aquarium. Ideal for nano setups, blackwater biotopes, or nature-style aquascapes, Nannostomus mortenthaleri is the perfect balance of color, size, and serenity.

Native to the Amazon basin in Peru, Coral Red Pencilfish are peaceful mid-water dwellers that thrive in groups and love calm, tannin-rich environments. Their vivid coloration intensifies with a high-quality diet and soft, acidic water—especially in mature tanks with low lighting.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Nannostomus mortenthaleri

• Common Names: Coral Red Pencilfish, Red Arc Pencilfish

• Adult Size: 0.75–1.25 inches

• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling

• Tank Size: 10+ gallons (larger for bigger groups)

• Water Parameters: 72–80°F | pH 5.0–7.0 | Soft, tannin-rich water preferred

• Diet: Omnivore – accepts micro-pellets, crushed flakes, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and live foods

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

Coral Red Pencilfish thrive in:

• Densely planted tanks with driftwood, botanicals, and soft substrate

• Low-flow environments with warm, stable water

• Dim lighting to enhance their natural red glow

Great tankmates include:

• Dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma, Rams)

• Small tetras (ember, neon, green neon)

• Otocinclus, Corydoras, and other nano-safe bottom dwellers

• Shrimp and snails (won’t harm inverts)

Avoid:

• Large, aggressive fish or fast fin-nippers

• Strong currents or bright lights without cover

Behavior:

• 🎯 Schooling fish best kept in groups of 6 or more

• 🌿 Active in the middle to upper tank levels

• 🎨 Males exhibit intense red coloration when displaying or competing for females

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Coral Red Pencilfish is:

• ✅ Hand-selected for intense coloration and health

• ✅ Fully acclimated and feeding on high-quality prepared foods

• ✅ Expertly packed with Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ A premium choice for aquascapes, nano tanks, and South American biotopes

📦 Turn your planted tank into a living sunset with Coral Red Pencilfish. These stunning nano fish add movement, color, and schooling elegance—available now at RobsAquatics.com.