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Anduze's pencilfish (Nannostomus anduzei) — Lebiasinidae

Anduze's pencilfish

Nannostomus anduzei
Family: Lebiasinidae

The Anduze's pencilfish (Nannostomus anduzei) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae that grows up to 2 cm.

Length
1.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Venezuela
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Anduze's pencilfish is one of the very smallest pencilfishes (Lebiasinidae), from blackwater streams of the upper Orinoco region in South America. The species stays about 1.6 cm long and has a very slender body with a dark longitudinal stripe and reddish tones. It swims in schools among water plants of quiet forest streams and eats very small zooplankton and larvae. The fish is harmless to humans and is prized in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Anduze's pencilfish?

The Anduze's pencilfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Anduze's pencilfish live?

The Anduze's pencilfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil, Venezuela

How big does the Anduze's pencilfish get?

The Anduze's pencilfish grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Anduze's pencilfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Anduze's pencilfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Anduze's pencilfish edible?

Yes, the Anduze's pencilfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Anduze's pencilfish sourced
Scientific name
Nannostomus anduzei
Family
Lebiasinidae
Other names
Miniature <i>Nannostomus</i>; Anduzi's nannostomus; Miniature nannostomus verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
1.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nannostomus

More from the family Lebiasinidae

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