Can kribensis live with pencilfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Kribensis and pencilfish make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–80°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

KribensisKribensis75–80°F · pH 6–7.5 PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–80°Kribensis 75–80°Pencilfish 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7.5Kribensis 6–7.5Pencilfish 5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Kribensis · 4 inPencilfish · 2 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

KribensisPencilfish
Temperature75–80 °F75–82 °F
pH6–7.55–7.5
Adult size4.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal15 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for kribensis

All kribensis tank mates

Better tank mates for pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Questions

Can kribensis live with pencilfish?

Yes. Kribensis and pencilfish make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–80°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both kribensis and pencilfish?

75–80 °F. Kribensis need 75–80 °F, pencilfish need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do kribensis and pencilfish need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the kribensis. Add space for each extra fish.