Dwarf pencilfish “alto nanay”

[Andrew H]

Hi all, these nannostomous marginatus are available on Dan’s fish without photo and I was curious if anyone has any experience? I’m looking for a small group of pencilfish to go with some female borellii in a 20 gallon long. Water is 72F, pH 6.8, hardness <75 TDS. Let me know if I’m on the wrong track here…

https://dansfish.com/product.detail/5160/Dwarf-Pencilfish-'Alto-Nanay'-(Nannostomus-marginatus)​

 

[MacZ]

Wouldn't keep them in less than 25°C.

 

[tuna]

Wouldn't keep them in less than 25°C.

Wet Spot has them for 5.99 ea.

 

[MacZ]

The price doesn't matter, the tank the OP is asking about is too cold for them.

 

[Andrew H]

The price doesn't matter, the tank the OP is asking about is too cold for them.

Thanks, Mac. Are there any pencilfish species that would do well on a cooler tank? I’m trying to keep the temp on the lower side for the borellii.

 

[MacZ]

Not really. Nannostomus occur mostly in the equatorial parts of South America, there are none in the more southern, more moderate ranges where you can find A. borellii

 

[Andrew H]

Not really. Nannostomus occur mostly in the equatorial parts of South America, there are none in the more southern, more moderate ranges where you can find A. borellii

Thanks, Mac. Any thoughts on a more suitable dither? I could bring the temp up a bit I guess, but prefer to cater to the borellii.

 

[MacZ]

Simply put:
If you want to breed, scratch the idea of dithers. Not necessary.
If you just want a display tank, get tetras from the Rio Paraguay or Parána basins.
You can look them up on fishbase.

 

[Andrew H]

Simply put:
If you want to breed, scratch the idea of dithers. Not necessary.
If you just want a display tank, get tetras from the Rio Paraguay or Parána basins.
You can look them up on fishbase.

Ladies only - no breeding in this tank. I’ll take a look.

 

[MacZ]

Rio Paraguay:

Species in theParaguay

Rio Paraná:

Species in theParaná

My choice would be a species of Aphyocharax. Moenkhausia grow too big and tankbred Gymnocorymbus are a genetic mess.

 

[Andrew H]

Thanks Mac, let me take a look and see if I can find them.

 

[MacZ]

I already mentioned genera that are commonly available. The exact species... you might have to look a bit longer, depending on where you live.