At a Glance
The Red Pencilfish is a small bright coral red-colored freshwater fish only found in a very small area of the Peruvian Amazon, where it lives in tannin-rich blackwater streams. The species can reach a maximum length of just 35 mm. It is renowned for its vivid red coloration and bold back stripes, which have made it one of the most south-after ornamental fish in the aquarium trade. The Red Pencilfish has experienced severe population declines due to over collection for aquarium trade. Although aquarists have learned how to successfully breed the species in human care, scientists are still trying to learn about wild populations.
The primary threat to the Red Pencilfish has been overexploitation for trade. Its highly restricted range makes it increasingly vulnerable to threats. Its known habitat is outside of protected areas, which means that it is susceptible to habitat degradation and other environmental changes.
At a glance
Taxa
Fish
Geography
Peru
Status
Critically Endangered
Habitat
Freshwater rivers and streams
Estimated Population
Unknown
Threats
Ornamental aquarium trade
Potential Recovery Actions
Research and monitoring, habitat protection and management
