Oneline Pencilfish (Nannostomus unifasciatus)

Oneline Pencilfish Nannostomus unifasciatus
Name	Oneline Pencilfish
Name Lat.	Nannostomus unifasciatus
Family	Pencilfishes
Family lat.	Lebiasinidae
Order	Characins
Order lat.	Characiformes
Origin	Venezuela, Brazil
Habitat	Streams, ponds
Diet	Carnivore
pH	5.0-7.0
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group
Care Level	Difficult
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Difficult
Life Span	3-4 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	3-4 cm
Temperature	23-27 °C
Hardness	1-10 °dH
Aquarium	50 l
US Units
Size	1.2"-1.6"
Temperature	73-81 °F
Hardness	18-178 ppm
Aquarium	15 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the single-banded ornamental tetra is the catchment area of the upper Rio Orinoco in Venezuela as well as parts of the Amazon catchment in Brazil and Bolivia. They live in slow flowing, small rivers and forest streams as well as in stagnant waters with dense vegetation.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have soft, slightly acidic water and varied planting that provides both shelter and swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), some roots and shaded light (floating plant cover) is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In the wild they feed mainly on small insects (approach food) and larvae. The food supply consists of small live foods, such as cyclops, daphnia, artemia and mosquito larvae, which are also well accepted frozen, as well as frozen special food mixtures and fruit and fruit flies. Protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules) is also usually accepted without problems.

A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).

Behaviour and compatibility

They are calm fish and well suited for any community tank with small peaceful fish. Males will defend their small territories against each other without serious fighting. At least 5, but preferably more Tetras should be kept together.

In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The anal fin of males is red and black in color with a white tip, females have a black anal fin, are stockier and have a rounder ventral line.

Reproduction and breeding

The males form small territories, preferably with fine-feathered plants (Java moss), into which females willing to spawn come. After 24-48 hours the larvae hatch and swim freely after 3-4 days

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.

Important

In order to better pick up food from the water surface (approach food), they usually swim with their heads slanting upwards. For camouflage they change their color and markings in the dark to protect themselves from predators while sleeping.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF