Giant Black Lined Pencilfish 5cm

Giant Black Lined Pencilfish

The Giant Black Lined Pencilfish, or Anostomus Ternetzi, is a striking addition to a black water or community aquarium. These fish are a rare species to come across in the aquarium hobby but are fantastic to keep for their distinctive black lines and sleek, elongated bodies. These fish bring both beauty and activity to their aquatic environment. Black lined pencil fish will be a great larger schooling fish sure to fill out an aquarium.

The black-lined pencil fish is easily recognisable by its three prominent black stripes running from its nose to its tail. These lines contrast beautifully against its golden-brown body, giving it a really defined appearance. As they mature the red tips on the nose and fins really become prominent as well. The fish's slim, pencil-like shape and slightly upturned mouth add to its unique look. Adults typically reach up to 12 cm in length, making them one of the larger species within the pencil-fish family.

Giant Black Lined Pencilfish are known for their peaceful yet active demeanour. They spend a lot of time swimming in the middle to upper levels of the aquarium, often seen exploring and foraging. These pencil fish also show off their sparring behaviour between males which makes them super fun to watch. Breeding in captivity is rare and can be challenging due to their specific spawning requirements and the need for pristine water conditions.

Tank Recommendations for your Giant Black-Lined Pencilfish
A spacious tank of at least 150 litres is recommended to accommodate the Giant Black Lined Pencilfish’ s active swimming habits. These are schooling fish as well so at minimum they should be kept in a group of 6. A well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots using driftwood will make them feel secure. They thrive in water conditions with a pH between 6.0-7.5, and a temperature range of 24-28°C. Regular water changes and a good filtration system are essential to maintain water quality.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Giant Black Lined Pencilfish are best kept with other peaceful community fish. Whilst they might bicker amongst each other they are not aggressive or nippy in any way. These fish enjoy the company of their kind and should be kept in groups.

Usually Compatible
They get along well with other similarly sized and non-aggressive fish species such as dwarf cichlids, geophagus, angelfish, tetras, and other community fish.

Sometimes Compatible
Larger active species like convict cichlids and anything that could pick at the pencil fish cause ongoing issues. Species like chocolate cichlids may pose a threat.

Rarely Compatible
Large or aggressive species that may predate on the black-lined Pencilfish or anything that would outcompete these like Oscars.

Feeding your Giant Black-Lined Pencilfish
Feeding the Giant Black Lined Pencilfish is relatively straightforward. They are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet of high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Including vegetable matter in their diet, such as spirulina-based foods, will help keep them healthy.