Cenepa Red Pencilfish
Remarks: One of the newer pencilfish on the scene, the Cenepa red pencilfish is an absolute gem. When they were first discovered and had begun to be exported back in 2022, they took the hobby by storm. It isn’t hard to see why as mature specimens are almost completely cherry red when kept in proper conditions. Typically they do have some black horizontal bars through the top and bottom of the body as well as through the eye, but these can be almost completely swallowed up by the red coloration when a healthy male is in breeding dress. Some pencilfish may also have a gold color on the tops of their bodies just adding to the already breath-taking beauty of these tiny schooling fish.
The red coloration of the Cenepa red pencilfish aids them in hiding in plain sight within their natural habitat.
| Species | Cenepa Red Pencilfish |
|---|---|
| Brand | Imperial Tropicals |
| Origin | South America |
| Size (adult) | 1.5 to 2.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful, schooling |
| Water Conditions | Temperature: 24–28°C, pH: 6.0–7.0, Hardness: 2–8 dGH |
FAQ
What makes the Cenepa red pencilfish stand out from other pencilfish?
The Cenepa red pencilfish is known for its vibrant cherry red coloration, especially in mature males during breeding season. This intense red hue can dominate the black horizontal bars and gold accents on the body, creating a striking visual effect in a school.
Are Cenepa red pencilfish suitable for community tanks?
Yes, they are peaceful and thrive in groups. They are ideal for community tanks with other non-aggressive, small fish species that share similar water conditions.
How long does it take for a Cenepa red pencilfish to reach full coloration?
Full red coloration typically develops after several months in proper conditions, with males showing the most vivid coloring during breeding season.
Lisa Murray –
I’ve had these pencilfish for three months now and they’ve become the highlight of my 10-gallon tank. The red color is stunning, especially when they’re schooling together. They’re very active and don’t stress other fish. Easy to care for and maintain a clean environment.
Rebecca Payne –
The Cenepa reds are absolutely beautiful. I noticed the red color deepens over time, and the males look especially vibrant during the day. They’re peaceful and stay in the middle of the tank, not crowding other species.
Vanessa Springer –
Great addition to a small community tank. The fish are active and colorful, though they do need a stable temperature and pH. I’ve kept them with tetras and they get along well.