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Nannostomus sp. Cenepa is a small South American characiform valued for its intense coloration and peaceful behavior. Also sold as the Super Red Pencilfish, this fish remains identified at the genus level and is associated with the Rio Cenepa in Peru. Its slender body, angled swimming posture, and red tones make it an outstanding subject for a planted aquarium. Very rare in the trade, it is best suited to aquarists able to maintain soft, warm, stable water. The offered specimens are wild collected, so careful acclimation is important.

General species description

Nannostomus sp. Cenepa is a small, schooling pencilfish that is generally peaceful. It mainly occupies the middle and upper levels of the aquarium, moving in small groups with a slightly angled posture. Its red coloration becomes stronger when the fish are well acclimated, properly fed, and kept in suitable water. Like other Nannostomus, it appreciates a layout with shaded areas and visual cover. A group of at least 8 to 10 individuals encourages natural behavior and reduces nervousness. Its trade status, rated here as very rare, makes it a fish for a carefully planned community aquarium rather than an improvised setup.

Geographical origin and biotope

This form comes from the Rio Cenepa in Peru, in the eastern part of the country near the Peru-Ecuador border. It is associated with small forest streams in the Amazon basin, often calm or only gently flowing, with soft and generally acidic water. The natural habitat includes wooded banks, roots, leaf litter, and vegetation that strongly filters the light. In the aquarium, floating plants, driftwood, and leaf litter can recreate this atmosphere. Low-mineral water, subdued lighting, and gentle filtration help reproduce the Cenepa forest biotope and enhance the red coloration.

Precise location and local name

The geographical reference used for this form is the Rio Cenepa, an Amazonian tributary located in the Amazonas region of Peru. In the aquarium trade, the most common name is Super Red Pencilfish. The name Nannostomus sp. Cenepa is used for fish from this population or commercial form without assigning a definitive species name. Since the fish are wild collected, exact origin can be important for preserving their behavior, coloration, and acclimation needs. When possible, it is best to keep individuals with tank mates from the same shipment.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Nannostomus sp. Cenepa has an elongated, slender body, a small terminal mouth, and a forked caudal fin. The most sought-after feature is its strong red coloration, which may cover much of the body and extend onto the fins depending on the fish’s condition. Adult males may show brighter colors and a slightly slimmer profile, while females are often rounder when carrying eggs. Coloration nevertheless varies with stress, lighting, and diet. Amber-toned water, a dark substrate, and floating plants usually improve visual contrast. Adult size remains small, at approximately 3.5 cm.

General diet

This form accepts very small meaty foods. In the aquarium, suitable choices include baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and appropriately sized frozen or freeze-dried foods. Wild-collected individuals may be hesitant during their first days; small portions offered several times a day can support acclimation. Very fine pellets may be offered, but they should not be the only food. A varied diet supports red coloration, physical condition, and breeding. Remove uneaten food, since the small mouth and limited body mass make the species sensitive to rapid water-quality deterioration.

Essential data

• Native river: Rio Cenepa
• Local name used: Super Red Pencilfish
• Origin of the scientific name: Nannostomus is the genus name; sp. indicates an unspecified species in the trade.
• Etymology of the full name: Nannostomus comes from the Greek nanos, small, and stoma, mouth; sp. is short for species; Cenepa refers to the Rio Cenepa.
• Common or vernacular names: Super Red Pencilfish; red pencilfish
• Family: Lebiasinidae
• Subfamily: Pyrrhulininae
• Name pronunciation: nan oh STOH muss - sen EH pah
• Maximum adult size: approximately 3.5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 5.0 to 7.0
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: shaded small forest streams, soft water, roots, leaf litter, and dense bankside vegetation
• Typical tank mates: Nannostomus eques, Nannostomus mortenthaleri, Nannostomus rubrocaudatus
• Temperament and behavior: peaceful, schooling, initially shy, and active in a group
• Water depth: shallow areas and quiet margins
• Sexual dimorphism: males are often more colorful; mature females are usually rounder
• Bottom structure and flow: leaf litter, mud or fine sand, roots, and low to moderate flow
• Rarity status: very rare in the aquarium trade
• Origin of offered specimens: wild collected

In your aquarium

To succeed with Nannostomus sp. Cenepa, provide a mature, covered, heavily planted aquarium with lighting softened by floating plants. Keep a suitably sized group, use soft water, and perform regular water changes without sudden fluctuations. Acclimation of wild-collected fish should be slow, with particular attention to feeding during the first few days. A dark layout, leaf litter, and hiding places reduce stress and highlight their intense red coloration. Because this is a very rare fish, each specimen deserves responsible long-term care and stable conditions.