To the untrained eye, the two pencil fishes are commonly mistaken for each other.
Whils the Nannostomus marginatus grows only to 3 cm, hence the name dwarf pencil fish, Nannostomus trifacasiatus on the other hand, grows up to 5 cm. Also, Nannostomus marginatus has a deeper body profile. Both pencil fish shows 3 distinctive lines although the latter is known as the three line pencilfish.
The Japananese magazine, Minima, had a feature on the various variants of Nannostomus marginatus if I recall correctly. The major difference being the red spots on the body. Some have them at the caudal peduncle and others do not, amongst other variations.
The last time I saw them was also at C328 at Clementi Ave 2, together with the 3 line pencilfish. They do come in as contaminants as well as on their own. Gan's Fish Farm use to bring them in too, but the last shipment was a few months ago. I'm sure they are sold out now.
Joe, I assume these are for your good friend rather than for yourself?
Cheers,
I have dwarf cichlids in my tanks! Do you?
Bookmarks