Beckford's Pencilfish
Nannostomus beckfordi
Description
Beckford’s Pencilfish is a small, slender species known for its unique shape and colorful markings. Its body is long and pencil-like, typically exhibiting a pale silver or gold color with a dark vertical stripe running along the body from the head to the tail, which gives it a “pencil” appearance. The males are more vibrant and have brighter colors, particularly along the dorsal and tail fins, while females are generally more subdued. These fish are peaceful, shy, and social, and they do well in small schools. They are usually seen swimming in the middle to upper levels of the tank, where their slender, graceful swimming style stands out.
Habitat Origin
Native to the rivers and streams of the Amazon Basin in South America, particularly in Brazil and Colombia. Beckford’s Pencilfish inhabits slow-moving waters with dense vegetation and clear, slightly acidic water. These fish are typically found in the shaded areas of the riverbanks, where the water is calm and rich in organic matter.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 6 individuals, as they are schooling fish and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
Beckford’s Pencilfish are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They will also nibble on small plant matter and algae in the aquarium. A varied diet will help maintain their health and vibrant coloration.
Behavior:
Beckford’s Pencilfish are peaceful and social, and they are best kept in schools of at least 6 individuals. They are shy and may be intimidated by larger or more aggressive fish, so it’s essential to keep them with peaceful species. These fish are generally calm, swimming in the middle or upper areas of the tank. They can often be seen darting around in a coordinated manner with other members of the school. They are not territorial and are not known for aggression, making them excellent community fish.
Special Care:
Beckford’s Pencilfish thrive in well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots, such as plants, driftwood, and rocks. Regular water changes and good filtration are essential to maintain stable water quality, as these fish are sensitive to poor water conditions. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions and benefit from stable temperature ranges. It is important to avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or large species that may harass or eat them.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, Beckford’s Pencilfish are compatible with other small, peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, and small catfish. They are best housed with non-aggressive fish that share similar water requirements. Larger or more aggressive species should be avoided, as these fish are small and delicate. Their shy and peaceful nature makes them ideal for community tanks, especially when kept with other small, calm fish.
Breeding Setup
A separate breeding tank is recommended for Beckford’s Pencilfish to ensure egg and fry safety and to maintain stable water conditions. A 10-gallon (38-liter) tank works for a small group, while a 20-gallon (75-liter) tank is better for multiple pairs. Maintain soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6.0–7.0, temperature of 24–28°C (75–82°F), and hardness of 2–12 dGH. Use a gentle sponge filter to avoid strong currents. Fine gravel or sand is ideal for substrate, and Java moss, Hornwort, or floating plants provide spawning and hiding spots. Lighting should be moderate, set on a 10–12 hour light/dark cycle to mimic natural conditions.
Conditioning the Breeders
To prepare Beckford’s Pencilfish for breeding, offer a varied, protein-rich diet including quality flake or micro pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, and vegetables like chopped spinach or peas. This ensures optimal health and fertility. Weekly 20–30% water changes are necessary to keep water clean. To trigger spawning, perform a larger water change (around 50%) and raise the temperature slightly to 28°C (82°F) to simulate seasonal cues like the rainy season.
Spawning Process
Spawning typically takes place in the early morning or after water changes that optimize conditions. Males become more colorful and actively court females. The female scatters 20–50 sticky eggs on plants or decorations, which are then fertilized by the male. Once spawning is complete, it’s important to remove the parents, as Beckford’s Pencilfish may consume their own eggs or fry if left in the breeding tank.
Fry Development
The eggs usually hatch in 2–3 days, depending on temperature. Newborn fry feed first on their yolk sacs, then require infusoria or liquid fry food. As they grow, feed baby brine shrimp, microworms, or crushed flakes. Maintain stable water temperatures (24–28°C) and perform daily or alternate-day water changes (10–20%). Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues, as fry are highly sensitive to pollutants and ammonia buildup.
Advanced Tips
Beckford’s Pencilfish typically mature and are ready to breed at 6–12 months of age. Males are smaller and more vibrant, especially during breeding, while females are rounder and larger, particularly when gravid. Prevent stress by avoiding abrupt changes in pH, temperature, or hardness, and maintain excellent water quality with proper filtration. Avoid aggressive tank mates and keep the tank environment calm to promote successful spawning and healthy fry development.