Dwarf Pencilfish - Nannostomus marginatus

The Dwarf Pencilfish (Nannostomus marginatus) is a elegant, slender schooling fish prized for planted and nano aquariums. Its streamlined body and subtle striping make it a graceful addition to peaceful community setups. Keep in schools of 6 or more for natural behavior and confidence. They occupy multiple water levels, feeding readily on high-quality flake, pellets, and small frozen or freeze-dried meaty foods. Tank-raised specimens are highly adaptable, though they thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with gentle flow and plenty of plant cover. Safe with other small, peaceful fish and larger invertebrates. Avoid housing with aggressive species or very small shrimp fry, which may be predated. Provide dim lighting and tannin-rich environments—driftwood and leaf litter encourage natural foraging and reduce stress. Ideal for aquascaped tanks where their subtle beauty and schooling behavior can be fully appreciated.