Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – micro pellets, crushed flake, frozen baby brine shrimp, micro worms, daphnia
Aquarium species profile
Pencilfish
Nannostomus beckfordi · South America (Amazon basin — Guyana, Brazil)
Minimum tank15 gal
Adult size2.5"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature73–81°F
pH range5.5–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, Otocinclus, nano fish
Tank mates to avoid
Aggressive fin-nippers (will destroy fins), large predatory fish
Care notes
Slender pencil-shaped body with bold red and black lateral stripes. Fascinating nocturnal posture change — rotates to a diagonal head-down angle at night. Males spar constantly but rarely injure. Schooling fish; groups of 8+. Beautiful in planted blackwater aquariums.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.