Pencilfish are peaceful freshwater nano fish known for their slender body shape, gentle schooling behavior, and beautiful coloration. These calm, active fish are excellent choices for planted aquariums, nano community tanks, blackwater-inspired setups, and peaceful freshwater displays.
At Tropical Treasures Wyo, our Pencilfish collection may include favorites such as Beckford’s Pencilfish, Golden Pencilfish, Purple Pencilfish, Shining Pencilfish, Peruvian Red Pencilfish, and other unique varieties depending on availability. Pencilfish are best kept in groups where they feel secure, show better color, and display more natural behavior.
Why Hobbyists Love Pencilfish
- Peaceful nano fish for planted aquariums
- Great for calm freshwater community tanks
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Elegant slender body shape and natural movement
- Pairs well with many small peaceful fish
- Excellent choice for aquascapes and blackwater-style setups
Popular Pencilfish Varieties
- Beckford’s Pencilfish
- Golden Pencilfish
- Purple Pencilfish
- Shining Pencilfish
- Peruvian Red Pencilfish
- Other specialty Pencilfish varieties when available
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Pencilfish do best in stable, fully cycled aquariums with clean water, gentle to moderate filtration, and plenty of plants or cover. Floating plants, stem plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and darker backgrounds can help them feel secure while bringing out their best color.
Because Pencilfish are small and peaceful, they should not be kept with aggressive fish, large predators, or overly active tankmates that may outcompete them for food. A calm planted aquarium with open swimming space and shaded areas is ideal.
Compatible Tankmates
- Small peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Small Corydoras species
- Otocinclus catfish
- Dwarf shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
- Peaceful nano fish with similar care needs
Tankmates to Avoid
- Large predatory fish
- Aggressive cichlids
- Fin-nipping fish
- Fast, aggressive feeders
- Fish large enough to eat them
- Very boisterous community fish that may stress them
Pencilfish Care Tips
- Keep Pencilfish in groups of 6 or more
- Use a fully cycled aquarium with stable water parameters
- Provide live plants, floating plants, driftwood, or shaded areas
- Feed small foods such as micro pellets, crushed flakes, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp
- Avoid aggressive or overly active tankmates
- Maintain clean water with regular water changes
Diet & Feeding
Pencilfish are small omnivores that do best with appropriately sized foods. Offer quality micro pellets, finely crushed flakes, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and other small frozen or prepared foods.
Because Pencilfish have small mouths and may be shy at feeding time, make sure food is small enough for them to eat and that faster tankmates are not taking all the food before they can feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pencilfish good community fish?
Yes. Pencilfish are peaceful nano fish that do well with other calm community species that will not bully them or outcompete them for food.
How many Pencilfish should I keep together?
Pencilfish should usually be kept in groups of 6 or more so they feel secure and display more natural behavior.
Are Pencilfish good for planted tanks?
Yes. Pencilfish are excellent for planted aquariums because they add gentle movement without overwhelming the aquascape.
What do Pencilfish eat?
Pencilfish eat small flakes, micro pellets, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other appropriately sized nano fish foods.
Are Pencilfish beginner-friendly?
Many Pencilfish can be easy to moderate to care for in a stable aquarium, but they do best with peaceful tankmates, clean water, and properly sized foods.
Can Pencilfish live with shrimp?
They can usually live with adult shrimp in planted aquariums with enough cover, but very tiny baby shrimp may be eaten by many fish.
Are Pencilfish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop Pencilfish, nano fish, peaceful schooling fish, freshwater fish, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
