Species profile
Golden Pencilfish
Nannostomus beckfordi
Peaceful
Easy care
80 L minimum aquarium
5–6.5 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 10
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Hardier and more adaptable than many pencilfish, but still best kept as a sizeable shoal in a calm aquarium.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–19 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 10
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.45
Social but males display and spar. A larger group spreads this behaviour and produces better colour and confidence.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
80 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Nannostomus beckfordi
Alternative names
Golden Pencilfish, Beckford's Pencilfish
Native range
Guianas and lower Amazon-associated drainages of northern South America.
Natural habitat
Quiet planted or botanical aquarium with shaded margins, floating cover and gentle to moderate flow.
Diet & feeding
Small floating/suspended foods, with regular live or frozen micro-invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are slimmer and usually more intensely coloured; females are fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Egg-scatterer among fine vegetation; adults may eat eggs.