More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 40 litres / 10.57 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 1.6cm / 0.63inches |
| Temperature | 22°C / 71.60°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Hardness | 1.01dgH / 18ppm - 5.04dgH / 90ppm |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
General Description
Nannostomus anduzei is the smallest member of the genus, with a maximum size of 1.6cm. It is rarely traded in numbers but is common among wild fish shipments from Manaus. Unlike most other Nannostomus species, it does not display a specific color pattern at night-time but appears overall pale.
Aquarium Setup
The ideal tank setup for Nannostomus anduzei involves a heavily planted environment with a dark substrate. Adding floating plants, driftwood branches, and dried leaf litter creates broken lines of sight, allowing the fish to exhibit natural behavior while reducing skittishness. Gentle filtration, such as an air-powered sponge filter, is recommended.
Behaviour
Anduzei is a very peaceful fish but may not thrive in community tanks due to its small size and timid nature. It does best when kept with small, non-aggressive species or in groups of 10 or more to spread aggression. Males may spar during daylight hours, with some fin nipping within the group, but not towards tankmates.
Feeding and Diet
This micropredator feeds on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, it accepts dried food but should also be offered small live and frozen foods like Artemia nauplii and Moina daily. Fry benefit from microorganisms provided by decomposing leaf litter and benefit from secondary food sources.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Reproduction in aquaria is rare but can be encouraged in a densely planted tank. Adults can be conditioned together, but separate containers with fine-leaved plants can increase fry survival rates. Adult males are slimmer and more brightly colored than females, with red pigmentation in the anal and caudal fins.
Habitat and Distribution
Found in very shallow perennial forest streams in Venezuela and Brazil, N. anduzei prefers slow-moving, transparent waters with substrates of white sand, roots, and leaf litter. Populations have been collected from the upper Orinoco river basin and the rio Ererê drainage, indicating a wider distribution.