All fish / Lebiasinidae

Grand Pencilfish

Nannostomus beckfordi

Also known as grand pencilfish, nannostomus grandis, golden pencilfish, beckford's pencilfish, red pencilfish, red beckford pencilfish, ナノストムス・ベックフォルディ, 铅笔鱼

A slim pencilfish with a bold black stripe along the body, a golden band above it and red patches on the fins, which glow brightest in dominant males. The name Nannostomus grandis is generally treated as a synonym of Nannostomus beckfordi. It is hardy, peaceful and suits planted community tanks with calm tankmates.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm, plus quality flake and micro pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern South America: Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the lower Amazon and Orinoco basins

Breeding

Pairs scatter small numbers of eggs among fine-leaved plants or moss and then eat them if given the chance. Breeding is fairly easy in a small, soft-water tank with plenty of plants, and the adults should be taken out once spawning is over.

Good to know

Males squabble over territory in a mild way, so give the tank plenty of plants and visual barriers. Keep a tight lid on the tank because these fish can jump.