Red Pencil Fish (Nannostomus beckfordi sp.)

Red Pencilfish Care Guide

Tank Size:

• Minimum 60L (15 gallons) for a small group.

• Best kept in schools of 6 or more to feel secure and show natural behavior.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Soft, slightly acidic water is preferred.

Diet:

• Omnivorous – feed a mix of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms), and small live foods.

• They prefer smaller foods due to their tiny mouths.

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel enhances their colors.

• Décor: Provide plants, driftwood, and floating plants to create shaded areas.

• They thrive in soft lighting and gentle water flow.

Temperament:

• Peaceful, ideal for community tanks.

• Tank mates: Tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids, and other calm species.

• Males can display vibrant red coloration when showing off to rivals or females.

Breeding:

• Egg scatterers – they do not care for their eggs.

• A separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops works best.

✨ Interesting Fact:
The Red Pencilfish swims with a distinctive head-up, tail-down posture—like a tilted pencil in the water. This quirky behavior is what gave the species its common name!