Cigar Fish

The cigar fish gets the name for its perfect cigar shape and size when it reaches maturity. Cigar fish are the largest member of the pencil fish family and must be caught in the wild, so they are somewhat rare. Please note: when the statement "caught in the wild" applies to South American species, these fish are caught under rigorous protective laws. In fact, the aquatic trade is one of the few industries that ensure the conservation of the Amazon forest. Cigar fish are clever swimmers and will go through all sorts of antics to find food. Buy one and you will see what we mean! All pencil fish do well in schools, but larger cigar fish can adapt to a solo life in the aquarium.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them plants, driftwood and a tight lid, since they can jump.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or pellet with vegetable content once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: They can nip at each other and at long-finned fish. Keep them with robust, fast fish of similar size.

Good to know: Cigar fish often swim head-down while picking at algae and food on rocks and wood.