Golden pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi)

Scientific name: Nannostomus beckfordi G?nther, 1872

Golden pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi)

The Golden pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae that grows to about 6 cm (2.4 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 24–26°C (75–79°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: South America, Native in the rivers of Guyana south to the Amazon basin and up the Amazon River to the Negro River.

Golden pencilfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Excellent
Adult size
6 cm (2.4 in)
Minimum tank
75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature
24–26°C (75–79°F)
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
5–19 dGH (89–339 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Inhabits small rivers with little current and in swamps where they are very common. Forms groups where the males dominate to defend their territory. Is highly appreciated by aquarists. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Nannostomus beckfordi
Family
Lebiasinidae (Pencilfishes)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
6.5
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: native in the rivers of Guyana south to the Amazon basin and up the Amazon River to the Negro River.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec = 200)

More tetras & characins

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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