Purple Pencil (3cm) is a slender, nano schooling fish prized for its subtle violet sheen and elegant horizontal striping. Peaceful and refined, this species is ideal for planted aquariums and soft-water community tanks.
🌿 Species Overview
At 3cm, specimens are near sub-adult size and already displaying strong coloration.
🎨 Appearance
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Slender “pencil-like” body shape
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Soft purple to lavender sheen along the body
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Thin horizontal dark stripe
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Clear to lightly tinted fins
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Subtle metallic reflection under aquarium lighting
Color becomes richer in dim lighting with dark substrate.
🐟 Behavior & Compatibility
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Best kept in groups of 6–10 or more
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Very peaceful and non-aggressive
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Suitable tank mates: small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, shrimp
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Avoid aggressive or large fish
They typically occupy upper to mid water levels and swim in a calm, gliding manner.
💧 Ideal Water Parameters
Stable, clean water enhances coloration and activity.
🏡 Tank Setup
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Minimum Tank Size: 40–60 liters
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Planted aquarium preferred
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Dark substrate enhances purple tones
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Floating plants reduce stress
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Open upper swimming space
They thrive in blackwater-style or natural aquascapes.
🍽 Feeding
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Micro pellets or fine flakes
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Frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp
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Microworms or other small live foods
Feed small portions 1–2 times daily.
📈 Care Level
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Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
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Sensitive to sudden parameter changes
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Best in established aquariums
🌟 Why Choose Purple Pencil 3cm?
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Elegant nano schooling fish
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Unique subtle purple sheen
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Peaceful community species
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Ideal for planted aquascapes
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Low bioload, suitable for medium nano tanks
Purple Pencilfish add understated color and graceful movement to aquariums, especially when kept in well-planted, softly lit environments.
