Our Guide To Keeping Golden Pencilfish Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Nannostomus beckfordi
   • Common name: Golden Pencilfish
   • Family: Lebiasinidae
   • Origin: South America, Amazon Basin
   • Adult length: 4.5 cm (1.8 inches)
   • Lifespan: 3 to 5 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Golden Pencilfish thrive in planted aquariums with subdued lighting.
   • Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, plants, and rocks.
   • They prefer tanks with a dark substrate to enhance their coloration.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Keep the water temperature between 23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F).
   • Maintain slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Ensure good water flow and filtration to maintain water quality.
   • Consider using a sponge filter or a gentle filtration system.

5. Diet:

   • Golden Pencilfish are omnivores and accept a variety of foods.
   • Offer them high-quality flake or pellet food as a staple diet.
   • Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

6. Tank mates:

   • Golden Pencilfish are peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish.
   • They are compatible with tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and small catfish species.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Golden Pencilfish are peaceful shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals.
   • Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish species.