Beckford’s Red Pencilfish – Nannostomus beckfordi
Beckford’s Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi) are slender, peaceful freshwater nano fish known for their horizontal swimming posture, subtle red coloration, and calm top-dwelling behavior. These elegant fish are a beautiful choice for planted aquariums, nano tanks, and peaceful community setups.
Their slim body shape, gentle movement, and soft red accents make Beckford’s Red Pencilfish especially attractive in natural-style aquascapes with live plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and darker backgrounds. They do best in groups, where they feel more secure and display natural social behavior.
Key Features
- Slender body with attractive red accents
- Peaceful top-dwelling nano fish
- Great for planted aquariums and aquascapes
- Calm community fish for smaller freshwater tanks
- Unique horizontal swimming posture
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Nannostomus beckfordi
- Common Name: Beckford’s Red Pencilfish
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10–20 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Top to upper-middle
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Beckford’s Red Pencilfish?
Beckford’s Red Pencilfish offer a different look from many standard schooling fish. Their slim shape, peaceful nature, and upper-level swimming behavior add gentle movement without overwhelming the aquarium.
They are an excellent choice for aquarists who want a calm, refined nano fish for planted aquariums or natural aquascapes. Their subtle red tones become more noticeable in stable tanks with good nutrition, plants, and darker backgrounds.
Ideal Tank Setup
Beckford’s Red Pencilfish do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with gentle water movement, live plants, and areas of cover. Floating plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and darker substrate can help them feel secure while enhancing their natural coloration.
Because they spend much of their time near the upper portion of the aquarium, a secure lid is recommended. Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best confidence, behavior, and long-term health.
Compatible Tankmates
- Small peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Other peaceful pencilfish
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus
- Small peaceful gouramis with caution
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Beckford’s Red Pencilfish are omnivores and should be offered small, appropriately sized foods. Feed quality micro pellets, fine flakes, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and small live foods when available.
A varied diet helps support healthy color, activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide live plants and gentle cover
- Use peaceful, calm tankmates
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Use darker substrate or backgrounds to enhance color
- Use a secure lid since they may jump
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Beckford’s Red Pencilfish good for planted tanks?
Yes. They are excellent for planted aquariums and natural aquascapes with live plants, driftwood, and gentle water movement.
How many Beckford’s Red Pencilfish should I keep?
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Are Beckford’s Red Pencilfish aggressive?
No. They are peaceful fish and do well with other calm community species.
What part of the tank do they use?
They mostly use the top to upper-middle portion of the aquarium.
How big do Beckford’s Red Pencilfish get?
They typically reach approximately 1.5–2 inches as adults.
What do Beckford’s Red Pencilfish eat?
They eat fine flakes, micro pellets, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small foods.
Are these fish 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
Beckford’s Red Pencilfish are peaceful top-dwelling nano fish for planted aquariums, natural aquascapes, and calm freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop pencilfish, nano fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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