How to Keep Golden Pencilfish
How to Keep Golden Pencilfish: A Peaceful Gem for Planted Aquariums
Golden Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi), also known as Beckford’s Pencilfish, are slender, golden-hued nano fish with a calm temperament and understated elegance. Native to slow-moving streams in South America, they’re ideal for planted tanks, blackwater setups, and peaceful community aquariums. Their horizontal swimming posture and shimmering golden body make them both charming and unique.
Golden Pencilfish are easy to care for with the right environment and do best in groups, where their natural schooling behavior and subtle flashes of color shine.
Tank Size and Setup
A group of Golden Pencilfish can thrive in tanks as small as 10 gallons, but a larger footprint is better for more stable parameters and active behavior. These fish appreciate calm, well-decorated environments with plenty of swimming space and low flow.
Use soft lighting, a dark substrate, and lots of plant cover—floating plants, driftwood, and fine-leaved species like guppy grass or water sprite all work well. These elements help replicate their natural habitat and reduce stress.
A sponge filter or gentle flow from a canister filter ensures clean water without excessive current.
Water Parameters
Golden Pencilfish are quite adaptable but thrive best in soft, slightly acidic water. Stable, clean conditions are more important than exact numbers, but aim for:
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.2
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–10 dGH)
TDS: Under 200 ppm
They do especially well in tannin-rich water, which can be achieved with Indian almond leaves, alder cones, or driftwood. A slight amber tint in the water helps mimic their native environment and supports their health.
Social Behavior and Tank Mates
Golden Pencilfish are peaceful, schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least six. The more you have, the more comfortable and colorful they become. Males may display minor sparring or fin flaring, but it's mostly harmless and fun to watch.
They do best with equally peaceful species, such as:
Pygmy Corydoras
Small rasboras
Dwarf tetras
Apistogramma (non-aggressive types)
Shrimp and snails
Avoid fin-nippers or overly active tankmates, as Pencilfish prefer slower-paced, gentle environments.
Feeding Golden Pencilfish
Golden Pencilfish have small mouths and prefer fine, floating foods. In the wild, they feed on small insects, larvae, and zooplankton, so they appreciate variety in the home aquarium.
Feed a mix of:
Micropellets and crushed flake food
Live or frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms
High-quality powdered foods or nanofish blends
Feed small amounts once or twice daily. These fish are shy at first but become more confident and active with time and consistency.
Breeding Pencilfish
Breeding Golden Pencilfish is possible in a quiet, planted tank with soft, acidic water and gentle lighting. Males develop more intense coloration and will begin courting females with subtle fin displays and chasing behavior.
Spawning typically occurs in fine-leaved plants or moss. Eggs are scattered and may be eaten by the adults, so a separate breeding tank or dense plant cover is recommended. The fry are tiny and should be fed infusoria or powdered fry food until they can take baby brine shrimp.
Final Thoughts
Golden Pencilfish are a beautiful and peaceful addition to any softwater or planted aquarium. Their golden tones, subtle schooling displays, and compatibility with a wide range of nano species make them a perfect fit for aquascapers, blackwater enthusiasts, or anyone looking for something a little different. With stable water, gentle care, and a calm environment, they’ll thrive and show off their true colors.
