Cenepa Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus sp.)

The Cenepa Red Pencilfish or Super Red Cenepa Pencilfish is theorized to be either a newly discovered species or possibly an aberrant variant of the Purple Pencilfish (Nannostomus rubrocaudatus). The Cenepa Red Pencilfish originates from the soft, acidic waters of the Rio Cenepa, a tributary of the Peruvian Amazon. A schooling fish, they are best kept in groups of 5 or more as they will display the best color in the presence of a group. In the aquarium, they make stunning display fish, and are both hardy and active. Feeding a diet high in red color enhancers (like astaxanthin or other carotenoids) will help ensure they maintain their brightest colors.