Peixe-lápis de Três Bandas
(Nannostomus trifasciata)

Descrição

The research provided comprehensive data for *Nannostomus trifasciata*.

**Common Name:** Three-lined Pencilfish, Threestripe Pencilfish, Three-banded Pencilfish. I’ll use “Three-lined Pencilfish” as the primary common name.

**Appearance & Behavior:** Small, slender fish, up to 6 cm. Has three dark longitudinal stripes during the day; these disappear at night, replaced by three large dark spots. Body color is greenish-gold on the back and sides, silver underneath, with red blotches on fins. Peaceful, but males can be territorial and spar among themselves, especially in smaller tanks. Best kept in groups of 6 or more for bolder behavior and dispersed aggression. Shoaling rather than schooling. Mid-to-upper water column dwellers. They are generally discreet and may hide in the presence of larger neighbors. They assume a cryptic color overnight and may look pale when lights turn on.

**Care Level:** Moderately challenging to intermediate. Sensitive to poor water quality. Requires stable, mature aquarium.

**Tank Essentials:**
* **Minimum Tank Size:** 57 litres (15 gallons) for a group. Some sources suggest 60 litres or 75×30 cm base dimensions (≈68 litres) for a mixed-sex group to reduce male aggression. For community tanks, 20 gallons (approx. 75 litres) or larger is ideal. I will use 60 litres as a balanced minimum for a group.
* **Water Parameters:**
* **pH Range:** 5.9-7.0, 5.5-7.5, 4.5-6.5. I’ll use 5.5-7.0 as a common, safe range.
* **Temperature:** 23-29°C (73.4-84.2°F), 22-28°C, 24-28°C. I will use 23-28°C.
* **Hardness:** Soft water is ideal, 0-7°dGH, 1-5°dGH, 2-8 GH. I will use 0-8°dGH.
* **Tank Setup:** Heavily planted with dark substrate, floating plants, driftwood, and leaf litter to mimic natural blackwater environments. Gentle filtration is key. Tight-fitting lid is essential as they can jump.

**Diet:** Omnivorous micro-predator. Feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton in nature. In captivity, accepts high-quality dried foods (flakes, micro pellets), but also requires small live/frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, microworms. Also eats detritus and algae in the wild.

**Maximum Size:** 4-6 cm. FishBase lists max length 3.6 cm. I will use 4-5 cm as a typical healthy adult size.

**Origin:** South America: Amazon River basin, including Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, Rio Negro, middle Amazon River, and Orinoco basin. Many seen in trade are commercially farmed.

**Lifespan:** Up to 5 years. Some sources say up to 8 years. I will use 5 years as a conservative average.

**Swimming Zone:** Mid-to-upper levels / near surface.

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Three-lined Pencilfish: Elegant Charm for Your Planted Aquarium

Add a captivating splash of subtle beauty to your freshwater setup with the peaceful and active Three-lined Pencilfish. This elegant nano fish is a joy to observe.

Overview

The Three-lined Pencilfish (*Nannostomus trifasciata*) is a slender, torpedo-shaped characin known for its distinctive horizontal patterning. During the day, three prominent dark stripes run along its greenish-gold to silvery body, often adorned with charming red accents on its fins. At night, these stripes transform into three dark blotches, a fascinating adaptation. These peaceful fish are mid-to-upper level dwellers, exhibiting a unique shoaling behavior as they gracefully navigate your aquarium’s upper regions.

Care Level

Caring for Three-lined Pencilfish is moderately challenging, making them suitable for intermediate aquarists. They are very peaceful, thriving best in groups of six or more to ensure their well-being and encourage bolder behavior. Avoid housing them with very large or boisterous tank mates; ideal companions include other small, peaceful species like dwarf corydoras or similarly sized tetras.

Tank Essentials

A minimum aquarium size of 60 litres is recommended for a healthy group, allowing space for male interaction. They flourish in stable, mature setups with soft, slightly acidic water. Maintain a temperature between 23-28°C and a pH range of 5.5-7.0. Provide dense planting, floating vegetation, dark substrate, and driftwood to mimic their natural blackwater habitats. Ensure your tank has a tight-fitting lid, as these fish can be jumpers.

Diet

As omnivorous micro-predators, Three-lined Pencilfish readily accept a varied diet. Offer high-quality dried foods like crushed flakes or micro pellets. Supplement daily with small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, or microworms to ensure optimal nutrition and vibrant coloration.

Why Buy From Us

When you choose to buy Three-lined Pencilfish online from us, you’re investing in healthy aquarium fish nurtured with expert care. We prioritize ethical sourcing and humane shipping practices, ensuring your new aquatic companions arrive in prime condition, ready to flourish in your home aquarium. Trust us for quality and dedicated customer support.

• Scientific Name: Nannostomus trifasciata
• Common Name / Variant: Three-lined Pencilfish
• Maximum Size: 4-5 cm
• Origin: South America (Amazon Basin, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Guyana)
• pH Range: 5.5–7.0
• Temperature: 23–28°C
• Lifespan: 5 years
• Swimming Zone: Mid-Top

Transform your tank with these captivating nano fish today!