More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 40 litres / 10.57 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 6.5cm / 2.56inches |
| Temperature | 21°C / 69.80°F - 27°C / 80.60°F |
| Hardness | 1.01dgH / 18ppm - 15.02dgH / 268ppm |
| pH | 5.0-8.0 |
General Description
The Golden Pencilfish (Nannostomus Beckfordi), also known as Beckford's pencil fish or brown pencilfish, is a peaceful micropredator belonging to the Lebiasinidae family within the order Characiformes. It is typically found in rivers of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and parts of Brazil and Venezuela. This species can reach a maximum size of about 6.5cm and has various color forms across its range.
Aquarium Setup
The Golden Pencilfish thrives in a heavily planted aquarium with a dark substrate, broken lines of sight, and floating plants. Including driftwood branches and dried leaf litter helps simulate its natural habitat and provides a food source for fry. Gentle filtration, preferably an air-powered sponge-style unit, is suitable, maintaining a water temperature between 21-27°C, a pH range of 5.0-8.0, and hardness between 18-268ppm.
Behaviour
Known to be relatively peaceful, the Golden Pencilfish does well in community tanks with similarly sized, calm species like characids and smaller catfish. In larger groups of 10 or more, aggression is diffused, and these fish exhibit bolder and more natural behaviors. They make good dither fish for dwarf cichlids and can coexist with smaller rasboras, barbs, and anabantoids.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, the Golden Pencilfish feeds on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton. In an aquarium environment, they readily accept dried foods but should also be offered small live or frozen fare like Artemia nauplii and Moina. Daily meals of live and frozen foods are recommended to ensure their nutritional requirements are met adequately.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
These fish are egg-scattering free spawners, showing no parental care. To maximize fry yield, a controlled approach involving dimly lit breeding tanks with mesh or plant cover for egg protection is recommended. Males exhibit more intense coloration, especially during spawning, while females have a rounder body shape. Males also possess an anal fin with a curved posterior edge, which is straight in females.
Habitat and Distribution
Golden Pencilfish inhabit sluggish tributaries, small rivers, and swampy areas with dense aquatic vegetation, submerged woody structures, and leaf litter. They are widely distributed across various regions in South America, including Guyana, Suriname, and parts of Brazil and Venezuela. While wild populations exhibit color pattern variations, commercially farmed specimens are commonly available.