Oneline pencilfish
📖 Overview
Oneline pencilfish (Nannostomus unifasciatus), first described by Steindachner, 1876 is a tiny fish in the family Lebiasinidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 3.80 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Lebiasinidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Oneline pencilfish is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Oneline pencilfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.5 - 7.0; dH range: ? - 4. Tropical; 25°C - 28°C South America: Parts of the Amazon basin of Bolivia, Brazil, and probably Colombia; the upper Orinoco basin of Venezuela, and Guyana.
🌿 Ecology
worms, crustaceans and insects (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Oneline pencilfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Oneline pencilfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Oneline pencilfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | One-lined Pencilfish · Oneline Pencilfish |
| 🌍CES | šikmostojka jednopruhá |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Lys skråsvømmer |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Bengalinha · Lápis · Peixe-Lápis · Peixe-lápis-de-uma-linha |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Однополосый нанностом |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nannobrycon unifasciatus | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
| Nannostomus ocellatus | Eigenmann | 1909 | Synonym |
| Poecilobrycon ocellatus | Eigenmann | 1909 | Synonym |
| Poecilobrycon unifasciatus | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Oneline pencilfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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