Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Quarantined livestock • Professionally packed • Insulated with weather protection
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Intermediate
Temperature
74–80°F
pH Range
5.0–7.0
Min. Tank
15 gallons
Red PencilfishFrom $17.99
Species Profile
Red Pencilfish
Nannostomus mortenthaleri
Why We Love This Fish
Verified shrimp-safe species
Quarantined before shipping
Stunning in planted tanks
Peaceful community fish
Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri) are small schooling fish with intense red coloration and a dark lateral stripe.
They prefer stable, softer water, gentle flow, and a calm community.
Care Notes
Prioritize stable water, gentle flow, and small high-quality foods.
Quick Care Facts
Care Level
Intermediate
Temperature
74–80°F
pH Range
5.0–7.0
Min. Tank
15 gallons
Diet
Tiny pellets, fine flakes, baby brine shrimp, and frozen micro foods
Adult Size
~1.25 inches
What’s Included
Quarantined fish
Insulated + weather pack
Overnight required
Species Spotlight
Why We Love This Fish
01
Schooling & social
Best kept with 8+ or more of its own kind where applicable.
02
Feeding
Tiny pellets, fine flakes, baby brine shrimp, and frozen micro foods
03
Compatibility
Peaceful nano fish
Community Tank
Compatible Tank Mates
These nano fish coexist well with shrimp and other peaceful invertebrates.
Fish ship via Overnight service to minimize stress and maximize live arrival success. Livestock ships Monday through Wednesday. Choose your preferred delivery date at checkout.
1
Choose Delivery Date
Select your preferred delivery date at checkout. Livestock delivers Wednesday through Thursday.
2
Quarantined & Health Checked
Every animal is imported, quarantined on-site, and health-checked before it ships.
3
Packed for the Weather
Insulated box with heat or cold pack matched to your local weather forecast.
4
Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.See policy →
Fish orders require Overnight. Free Overnight at $200+. Shrimp & livestock: Free 2-Day at $120+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Quarantined Before Every Shipment
Every animal we sell is imported from trusted suppliers, quarantined in our dedicated facility, and health-checked before it ships. We run over 100 aquariums on-site — each focused on a specific species or color morph.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Dedicated quarantine & holding aquariums on-site
48+
States served with live livestock delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Quarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Red Pencilfish FAQ
How many Red Pencilfish should I keep?+
Keep at least 8.
Are they safe with shrimp?+
Adult shrimp are often compatible, but shrimplets may be eaten.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes. Every order is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Photograph any DOA in the sealed bag on delivery day and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page.
Are Red Pencilfish difficult to keep?+
They are best considered intermediate because stable water and careful feeding matter.
How are Red Pencilfish shipped?+
Fish ship Monday through Wednesday via Overnight / Next Day Air and typically arrive Tuesday through Thursday in insulated packaging with weather-appropriate protection.
Live plants give nano fish cover, reduce stress, and create a more natural aquarium. They help break up sightlines, provide shelter for shy fish, and support a healthier planted tank.
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
