Species profile
Golden Pencilfish
Nannostomus beckfordiGolden Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi) is a schooling community species for a cycled 20+ gallon freshwater aquarium. Plan for about 1.8 inches as an adult, 72-80°F water, pH 6-7.8, and beginner-friendly care. Keep a group of at least 6; larger groups often behave more naturally when the tank has room.
Community leaningBeginner-friendly care
20 galMinimum tank
1.8 inAdult size
6Schooling minimum
72-80°FTemperature
Water Range
- pH
- 6-7.8
- GH
- 2-15 dGH
- KH
- 1-10 dKH
Behavior
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Fin nipping
- 0/5
- Territory
- 0/5
Diet and Care
- Diet
- omnivore
- Diet difficulty
- 1/5
- Care difficulty
- 1/5
Planning Notes
People also bought
Fish that pair well with Golden Pencilfish
These matches are starting points with overlapping water ranges and lower behavior risk. Always check the full stocking plan, tank size, and group counts before buying.
Run Golden Pencilfish through the checker with your tank size, cycle status, water, group count, and tankmates before buying.
Check my tankCompare this speciesPut Golden Pencilfish beside another profile to compare water range, size, diet, schooling needs, and behavior.
Open comparisonWill plants work?Match Golden Pencilfish against aquarium plants for nibbling, uprooting, cover, flow, and water-range flags.
Open plant matchAsk about my setupAsk Advisor how Golden Pencilfish fits with your current tank, recent logs, plants, and livestock.
Ask AdvisorView native rangeOpen the origins map to see reviewed native-range coordinates and regional context for Golden Pencilfish.
Open origins mapRelated guides
From keepers
Loading…