Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackstripe pencilfish (Nannostomus harrisoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Northern South America; quiet forest streams and small blackwater rivers.
Description
Harrison's pencilfish is a pencilfish (Lebiasinidae) from northern South America. The species is small, very slender and pencil-shaped with a shiny lengthwise stripe over the flank. It lives in schools in quiet, often dark-coloured forest streams and blackwater rivulets, close beneath the surface. With its small mouth it snaps small zooplankton and small invertebrates. It is a popular aquarium fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackstripe pencilfish?
The Blackstripe pencilfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, pencil-shaped body with a shiny longitudinal stripe; schooling small blackwater fish.
Where does the Blackstripe pencilfish live?
The Blackstripe pencilfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America; quiet forest streams and small blackwater rivers.
How big does the Blackstripe pencilfish get?
The Blackstripe pencilfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Blackstripe pencilfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackstripe pencilfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackstripe pencilfish edible?
The Blackstripe pencilfish is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Blackstripe pencilfish?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Nannostomus
More from the family Lebiasinidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackstripe pencilfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackstripe pencilfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.