Golden Pencilfish
Nannostomus beckfordi
Golden Pencilfish has a peaceful temperament. Keep in a school of 8+.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in)
- Aquarium size
- 60 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner – Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
- pH
- 5.5–8
- GH
- 5–19 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
- Group behavior
- Keep in a school of 8+
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 60 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 5.5–8, GH 5–19 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Golden Pencilfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Keep in a school of 8+.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Golden Pencilfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, Venezuela.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 60 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.
- Make room for its social group.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Keep in a school of 8+.
- Offer a varied diet that matches this species.
Similar fish profiles
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FAQ
How large does Golden Pencilfish get?
Golden Pencilfish reaches ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in).
What aquarium size does Golden Pencilfish need?
Use an aquarium of at least 60 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.
Is Golden Pencilfish peaceful?
Yes. Golden Pencilfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Golden Pencilfish?
Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.
Should Golden Pencilfish be kept alone or in a group?
Golden Pencilfish: Keep in a school of 8+.