Golden Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi)

Description

Golden Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi)

Elegant, peaceful and beautifully understated, the Golden Pencilfish is a graceful South American schooling fish that adds subtle gold tones and natural behaviour to planted aquariums. Its slender body, gentle personality and distinctive swimming style make it an excellent choice for nano and community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Nannostomus beckfordi
  • Common name: Golden Pencilfish, Beckford's Pencilfish
  • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
  • Adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
  • Social needs: Best kept in groups of 6 or more

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want an elegant fish for a planted aquarium.
  • You enjoy peaceful South American community species.
  • You keep shrimp and other small, non-aggressive fish.
  • You appreciate subtle beauty over bold colours.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep large or aggressive fish.
  • You want an active, fast-swimming schooling species.
  • Your aquarium has little plant cover.
  • You intend to keep them individually.

Why choose Golden Pencilfish?

The Golden Pencilfish is prized for its slender golden body highlighted by a bold horizontal stripe and delicate red accents on the fins. Rather than darting around the aquarium, these fish glide gracefully through the upper and middle water levels, creating a calm and natural display.

Native to slow-moving streams and forest waterways throughout northern South America, they thrive in planted aquariums with driftwood, leaf litter and subdued lighting. Their colours become richer against dark substrates and lush green plants.

Golden Pencilfish are exceptionally peaceful and coexist beautifully with other small community fish. Males may display to one another by extending their fins, but these interactions are generally harmless and simply add to their charm.

Benefits

  • Elegant golden colouration
  • Peaceful and community safe
  • Excellent for planted aquariums
  • Suitable for nano fish communities
  • Interesting natural schooling behaviour
  • Compatible with freshwater shrimp

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 23–28°C
  • pH: 5.5–7.5
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp and other small foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
  • Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel enhances colouration
  • Setup: Dense plants, driftwood, floating plants and open swimming areas
  • Keep in groups of at least six to encourage natural confidence and schooling behaviour.
  • Feed small meals several times per week with a mixture of prepared and frozen foods for best colour and health.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Green Neon Tetras
  • Pygmy Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Cherry Shrimp
NTA Insight:
Golden Pencilfish are one of those species that become more impressive the longer you watch them. Their calm, deliberate swimming style brings a sense of tranquillity to planted aquariums, and their colours intensify dramatically in mature tanks with subdued lighting, dark décor and quality nutrition. They are an excellent choice for aquascapes where natural behaviour is just as important as bright colours.

FAQ

How large do Golden Pencilfish grow?

Adults typically reach around 5–6 cm, making them ideal for peaceful planted community aquariums.

Are Golden Pencilfish schooling fish?

Yes. They should be kept in groups of at least six, although larger groups display more natural behaviour and look far more impressive.

Can they live with shrimp?

Yes. Golden Pencilfish are generally shrimp-safe and coexist well with adult Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp and other peaceful freshwater shrimp.

Are they aggressive?

No. They are among the most peaceful South American community fish. Males may display to one another, but serious aggression is very uncommon.

Do they need a planted aquarium?

While not essential, they thrive in well-planted aquariums that provide shelter, subdued lighting and natural security.

What do Golden Pencilfish eat?

They readily accept quality micro pellets and crushed flakes, supplemented with frozen foods such as cyclops, daphnia and baby brine shrimp.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their peaceful temperament, hardy nature and simple care requirements make them an excellent choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

How long do Golden Pencilfish live?

With excellent care, Golden Pencilfish commonly live for 4–6 years in a stable, well-maintained aquarium.

Golden Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi)

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Out of stock,  

$6.95


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    Description

    Golden Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi)

    Elegant, peaceful and beautifully understated, the Golden Pencilfish is a graceful South American schooling fish that adds subtle gold tones and natural behaviour to planted aquariums. Its slender body, gentle personality and distinctive swimming style make it an excellent choice for nano and community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Nannostomus beckfordi
    • Common name: Golden Pencilfish, Beckford's Pencilfish
    • Current size: Please refer to the selected size option
    • Adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
    • Social needs: Best kept in groups of 6 or more

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want an elegant fish for a planted aquarium.
    • You enjoy peaceful South American community species.
    • You keep shrimp and other small, non-aggressive fish.
    • You appreciate subtle beauty over bold colours.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep large or aggressive fish.
    • You want an active, fast-swimming schooling species.
    • Your aquarium has little plant cover.
    • You intend to keep them individually.

    Why choose Golden Pencilfish?

    The Golden Pencilfish is prized for its slender golden body highlighted by a bold horizontal stripe and delicate red accents on the fins. Rather than darting around the aquarium, these fish glide gracefully through the upper and middle water levels, creating a calm and natural display.

    Native to slow-moving streams and forest waterways throughout northern South America, they thrive in planted aquariums with driftwood, leaf litter and subdued lighting. Their colours become richer against dark substrates and lush green plants.

    Golden Pencilfish are exceptionally peaceful and coexist beautifully with other small community fish. Males may display to one another by extending their fins, but these interactions are generally harmless and simply add to their charm.

    Benefits

    • Elegant golden colouration
    • Peaceful and community safe
    • Excellent for planted aquariums
    • Suitable for nano fish communities
    • Interesting natural schooling behaviour
    • Compatible with freshwater shrimp

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 23–28°C
    • pH: 5.5–7.5
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp and other small foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
    • Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel enhances colouration
    • Setup: Dense plants, driftwood, floating plants and open swimming areas
    • Keep in groups of at least six to encourage natural confidence and schooling behaviour.
    • Feed small meals several times per week with a mixture of prepared and frozen foods for best colour and health.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Green Neon Tetras
    • Pygmy Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Cherry Shrimp
    NTA Insight:
    Golden Pencilfish are one of those species that become more impressive the longer you watch them. Their calm, deliberate swimming style brings a sense of tranquillity to planted aquariums, and their colours intensify dramatically in mature tanks with subdued lighting, dark décor and quality nutrition. They are an excellent choice for aquascapes where natural behaviour is just as important as bright colours.

    FAQ

    How large do Golden Pencilfish grow?

    Adults typically reach around 5–6 cm, making them ideal for peaceful planted community aquariums.

    Are Golden Pencilfish schooling fish?

    Yes. They should be kept in groups of at least six, although larger groups display more natural behaviour and look far more impressive.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Yes. Golden Pencilfish are generally shrimp-safe and coexist well with adult Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp and other peaceful freshwater shrimp.

    Are they aggressive?

    No. They are among the most peaceful South American community fish. Males may display to one another, but serious aggression is very uncommon.

    Do they need a planted aquarium?

    While not essential, they thrive in well-planted aquariums that provide shelter, subdued lighting and natural security.

    What do Golden Pencilfish eat?

    They readily accept quality micro pellets and crushed flakes, supplemented with frozen foods such as cyclops, daphnia and baby brine shrimp.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their peaceful temperament, hardy nature and simple care requirements make them an excellent choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

    How long do Golden Pencilfish live?

    With excellent care, Golden Pencilfish commonly live for 4–6 years in a stable, well-maintained aquarium.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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