Golden Pencilfish care guide
Golden Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Golden Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi) is a small lebiasinid native to lowland tributaries of the Amazon and Essequibo basins. The species has a slim cigar-shaped body with a dark lateral stripe and warm golden-brown sheen along the flanks; males display reddish fins during breeding.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lebiasinidae
- Genus: Nannostomus
- Scientific name: Nannostomus beckfordi
- Common synonyms: Beckford's Pencilfish
Habitat
Found in soft, slightly acidic blackwater and clearwater tributaries of the lower Amazon, the Negro and the Essequibo river systems in Brazil, Guyana and Suriname, typically in slow-moving streams shaded by overhanging vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
A micro-predator that feeds on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild. In aquaria offer crushed flakes, micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods such as cyclops, daphnia and newly hatched brine shrimp.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water shoaling species best kept in groups of six or more in a planted aquarium with subdued lighting. Suitable tankmates include small characins, Corydoras and freshwater dwarf shrimp such as Neocaridina.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants. Soft, acidic water and dim lighting trigger breeding; eggs are non-adhesive and parents should be removed promptly.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is widely distributed and most aquarium specimens are captive-bred.
Golden Pencilfish Breeding Guide
Overview
The golden, or Beckford's, pencilfish, Nannostomus beckfordi, is an egg-scattering free spawner that shows no parental care. In well-planted, established aquariums fry may appear without intervention, but a controlled setup gives far better yields.
Sexing
Adult males are more intensely coloured, especially when in spawning condition, while females are noticeably rounder-bodied. The male's anal fin has a curved posterior edge that is straight in the female, providing a reliable structural sexing cue.
Conditioning
Condition the adults well on daily small live and frozen foods such as Artemia nauplii, Moina and grindal worm. A single well-conditioned pair, or a group of one to two males with several females, can then be introduced to the spawning setup.
Breeding Setup
Use a smaller, dimly lit tank filled with mature water. Because the species readily eats its own eggs, the base can be covered with a mesh that lets eggs fall through but keeps the adults away, or with plastic 'grass' matting or glass marbles. Fine-leaved plants such as Taxiphyllum or spawning mops also work well, and an air-powered sponge filter or air stone provides gentle oxygenation. Slightly acidic to neutral water at the upper end of the normal range, around 21-27 degrees C, suits spawning.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The pair scatter eggs freely over the spawning medium, with the eggs dropping through the mesh or settling among the fine plants out of reach of the adults. Spawning typically occurs over the first day or two after introduction.
Egg & Fry Care
Remove the adults after two to three days to protect the eggs. The first fry should be visible around three days later. Start the fry on Paramecium or a proprietary dry food of 5-50 micron grade, progressing to Artemia nauplii and microworm once they are large enough to take them.
Common Challenges
Egg predation by the parents is the chief risk, so a mesh or marble base and prompt removal of the adults are important. The very small first foods must be available in adequate density, since the fry are tiny at hatching and depend on micro-organisms before they can accept brine shrimp nauplii.