The Red Coral Pencilfish, scientifically known as Nannostomus mortenthaleri, is a visually stunning fish that adds a splash of vibrant red to your aquarium. Here's everything you need to know about caring for and keeping the Red Coral Pencilfish in your aquatic setup:

Appearance:

• Striking Red Coloration: The Red Coral Pencilfish displays a beautiful red hue that covers its body, creating a striking contrast against its silver belly.
• Sleek and Elongated Body: As its name suggests, this fish has a slender and pencil-like body shape, allowing it to gracefully maneuver through the water.
• Size: The Red Coral Pencilfish typically reaches a size of 2.5-3 cm (1-1.2 inches), making it a small and delicate species.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain the water temperature between 24°C and 28°C (75°F-82°F) to provide optimal conditions for the Red Coral Pencilfish.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 to replicate their natural habitat.
• Water Hardness: These pencilfish prefer soft to moderately hard water, with a dH range of 5 to 12.
• Filtration: Utilize a reliable filtration system to maintain excellent water quality and provide sufficient water movement.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Provide a tank with a capacity of at least 20 gallons to ensure ample swimming space for the Red Coral Pencilfish.
• Planted Aquarium: Incorporate live plants such as Java moss, Vallisneria, or Amazon swords to create a natural and visually appealing environment. The presence of plants also provides hiding spots and contributes to the fish's overall well-being.
• Floating Plants: Consider adding floating plants like Water Sprite or Duckweed to provide diffused lighting and create shaded areas for the pencilfish to retreat to.
• Substrate: Use a fine-grained substrate like sand or small pebbles to mimic their natural habitat and protect their delicate barbels.

Tank Mates:

• Peaceful Community Fish: The Red Coral Pencilfish is peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish that share similar water parameter requirements.
• Shoaling Species: Consider keeping them in a group of at least 6 individuals to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.
• Avoid Aggressive or Nippy Fish: Avoid pairing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species that may harass or damage their delicate fins.

Feeding Habit:

• Omnivorous Diet: The Red Coral Pencilfish is an omnivore and accepts a wide range of foods.
• Small, Live, or Frozen Foods: Offer a varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and small live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
• Supplement with Vegetable Matter: Provide occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or finely chopped cucumber to ensure a balanced diet.

Care:

• Water Parameters: Regularly test the water parameters to ensure they remain within the suitable range for the Red Coral Pencilfish.
• Partial Water Changes: Perform regular partial water changes of around 25% every 1-2 weeks to maintain optimal water quality and stability.
• Tank Maintenance: Clean the tank and remove any debris or uneaten food to prevent water quality issues.
• Monitoring Health: Observe the Red Coral Pencilfish for any signs of disease, stress, or abnormal behavior.

The Red Coral Pencilfish is a beautiful and peaceful addition to any aquarium, bringing vibrant colors and a lively presence to your aquatic world.