Fin's Fish Guide
The Double striped pencilfish (Nannostomus bifasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The two-band pencilfish is a small characin of the family Lebiasinidae from northern South America. The species reaches only about 3.4 cm and has a thin, pencil-shaped body with two dark lengthwise bands on a pale ground. It lives in groups of about a dozen individuals and often occurs upstream in counter-current zones. As an omnivore with a preference for insects it forages mainly at twilight. Like other pencilfishes it lacks an adipose fin. The species is popular in the aquarium hobby and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Double striped pencilfish?
The Double striped pencilfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, pencil-shaped body with two dark longitudinal bands; lacks an adipose fin.
Where does the Double striped pencilfish live?
The Double striped pencilfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of northern South America, including the Amazon region.
How big does the Double striped pencilfish get?
The Double striped pencilfish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Double striped pencilfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Double striped 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 Double striped pencilfish edible?
The Double striped pencilfish is not usually eaten.
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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 Double striped pencilfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Double striped pencilfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.