Purple Pencil (3cm) is a slender, nano schooling fish prized for its subtle violet sheen and elegant horizontal striping. Peaceful and refined, this species is ideal for planted aquariums and soft-water community tanks.

🌿 Species Overview

• Genus: Nannostomus sp.

• Common Name: Purple Pencilfish

• Current Size: ~3 cm

• Adult Size: 3–4 cm

• Origin: South America

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy schooling fish

At 3cm, specimens are near sub-adult size and already displaying strong coloration.

🎨 Appearance

• Slender “pencil-like” body shape

• Soft purple to lavender sheen along the body

• Thin horizontal dark stripe

• Clear to lightly tinted fins

• Subtle metallic reflection under aquarium lighting

Color becomes richer in dim lighting with dark substrate.

🐟 Behavior & Compatibility

• Best kept in groups of 6–10 or more

• Very peaceful and non-aggressive

• Suitable tank mates: small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, shrimp

• Avoid aggressive or large fish

They typically occupy upper to mid water levels and swim in a calm, gliding manner.

💧 Ideal Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• pH: 5.5–7.0

• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft

• Water Flow: Gentle

Stable, clean water enhances coloration and activity.

🏡 Tank Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 40–60 liters

• Planted aquarium preferred

• Dark substrate enhances purple tones

• Floating plants reduce stress

• Open upper swimming space

They thrive in blackwater-style or natural aquascapes.

🍽 Feeding

• Micro pellets or fine flakes

• Frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp

• Microworms or other small live foods

Feed small portions 1–2 times daily.

📈 Care Level

• Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

• Sensitive to sudden parameter changes

• Best in established aquariums

🌟 Why Choose Purple Pencil 3cm?

• Elegant nano schooling fish

• Unique subtle purple sheen

• Peaceful community species

• Ideal for planted aquascapes

• Low bioload, suitable for medium nano tanks

Purple Pencilfish add understated color and graceful movement to aquariums, especially when kept in well-planted, softly lit environments.