Purple Pencilfish 3cm

Purple Pencilfish

The purple pencil fish is a fantastic species for aquarists who are searching for a higher-end, stunning showpiece that would be well suited to nano or planted aquariums. These will arguably be one of the most stunning nano fish you will ever come across and their natural wine-purple colour is something you don’t see all that often in the hobby. When kept in a group the flaring behaviour between males, the contrasting colours and the unique swimming pattern is a real spectacle. These are a more sensitive species compared to other aquarium fish which does make them better suited to more advanced aquarists.

Purple pencil fish are often confused for the red coral pencil fish however these species are equally stunning in their own right. Their deep purple colour almost makes it seem like these fish were selectively bred however they naturally occur like this which makes them even more species. Surprisingly the purple on this fish is limited to a pair of bold lines that travel from head to tail with some highlights on the fins. However, this colour looks stunning when it contrasts with the white underbelly and black nape which almost make this fish look like a laser blast. For some additional contrast, they also have a bright yellow face with purple present on the lips as well. The dwarf purple pencil fish is truly a dwarf fish that only reaches a maximum size of 5 cm and is native to Peru.

Purple pencil fish aren’t bred too regularly in the home aquarium hence why their price is quite high compared to other pencil fish species. These fish usually require a low PH and certain environmental triggers for them to begin breeding. Though this can be replicated in the home aquarium, it can be quite hard to nail and get the trigger for spawning. These are egg-scattering fish that won’t show any parental care either but the ideal breeding setup would be a small aquarium with dense plants and botanicals to ensure a low PH and plant cover for the fry. The fry should be fed rotifers or liquid meals until they can survive on their own because they are extremely small. This challenge of rearing up the fry makes this fish a fun breeding project to consider.

Tank Recommendations for your Purple Pencil Fish

A small group of purple pencil fish only requires a tank of 70 litres. This ensures that there’s ample space for around 5 pencil fish and other tank mates if needed. These fish do come from botanical and plant-dense environments in the wild but will thrive in a nice, high-tech planted display. These pencil fish are not too fussed on hardscape but a tight-fitting lid will be a requirement since they can jump.

Suitable tank buddies

Purple pencil fish are a friendly species that can easily get along with a wide range of community aquarium fish. They have small mouths, are not fin nippers, and should rarely outcompete their tank mates.

Usually compatible

Celestial pearl danios, peacock gudgeons, emerald Rasboras, and similar species nano species.

Sometimes Compatible

Angelfish, Apistogramma, rams, and other territorial fish may show minimal but long-term aggression to the sensitive-natured pencil fish.

Rarely Compatible

Predatory South American cichlids and African cichlids will for sure make a meal out of the pencil fish.

Feeding your Purple Pencil Fish

Purple can be challenge to get onto prepared foods however they should take to live foods very easily. In the wild, they will be found eating worms, crustaceans, and small insects. Feeding them food like live brine shrimp intermixed with a slow-sinking nano pellet can be a great way of getting them onto prepared foods.