Coral Red Pencilfish, also known by its scientific name Nannostomus mortenthaleri, is a bright red freshwater fish.
It belongs to the Lebiasinidae family in the Characin group. This fish stands out because of its vivid coral-red color and black stripes across its body.
Previously, it was considered a subspecies of Nannostomus marginatus but now is recognized as its own species.
Coral Red Pencilfish is named after Martin Mortenthaler, an aquarium-fish exporter who owned Aquarium Rio Momon SRL in Peru. He collected the first of this kind for study.
Coral Red Pencilfish Interesting Facts
- Coral Red Pencilfish, or Nannostomus mortenthaleri, has a striking coral red color with black stripes.
- Once considered a subspecies, it’s now recognized as its own species in the Lebiasinidae family.
- Males have thicker anal fins and grow up to 1.1 inches (2.9 centimeters) long.
- Native to Peru, these benthopelagic fish swim near the bottom of freshwater environments.
Coral Red Pencilfish Habitat
Coral Red Pencilfish is a tropical fish native to Peru in South America.
This fish lives in freshwater and swim near the bottom of its environment, making it a benthopelagic creature.
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Coral Red Pencilfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.1 inches (2.9 centimeters)
Coral Red Pencilfish is a tiny fish, growing up to 1.1 inches (2.9 centimeters) long.
Adult male Coral Red Pencilfish has thicker anal fins.
Coral Red Pencilfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Lebiasinidae |
| Genus: | Nannostomus |
| Scientific Name: | Nannostomus mortenthaleri |
| Also Known As: | Coral Red Pencilfish |
| Conservation Status: | Critically Endangered |