Super Red Pencilfish - Cenepa 3cm

Super Red Pencil Fish - Amaya

The super red or Amaya red pencil fish has got to be one of the most stunning nano aquarium fish in the world. These are a fairly new and very rare entry into the Australian aquarium trade, these pencil fish are often very seasonal and come from the Amaya river of South America which is quite remote and is subject to intense flooding throughout the year. Because of this it makes collecting these fish from the wild a slight challenge increasing their rarity and value even more. When kept in a group the flaring behaviour between males, the contrasting colours and 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.

Super red pencil fish do live up to the name, these fish are a deep almost strawberry red colour all the way from head to tail with very little interruption in between. The only real contrast on the body are small areas of black such as the horizontal stripe through the eye, pectoral fin spot, tail spot and tips on the scales. This lack of contrast and absolute saturation of red is likely the main factor for why these fish are so stunning and unique. The super red pencil fish are truly a dwarf fish that only reach a maximum size of 5 cm.

Super red 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. Females are just as red as the males but can be told apart by the small amount of white thought their face which makes the black barring they have more visible. These are an egg scattering fish that won’t show any parental care either but the ideal breeding set up 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 causing the spawn and preserving this species in Australia’s aquarium trade makes this fish a fun breeding project to consider.

Tank Recommendations for your Super Red Pencil fish - Amaya

A small group of super red 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

Super red 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 mean out of the pencil fish.

Feeding your Super Red Pencil Fish - Amaya

When first introduced Amaya pencil fish may only take to live foods which is why they can be a challenge to keep. Having options like baby brine shrimp and Grindal worms on hand would be very ideal. From here they can be transitioned to frozen foods and then a small slow-sinking pellet.