Red Beckford's Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi “Red”) – Sleek, Colorful Top-Dweller for Planted Tanks
The Red Beckford's Pencilfish is a refined, torpedo-shaped nano fish prized for its vibrant red tones, horizontal black stripe, and peaceful schooling nature. A selectively bred variant of Nannostomus beckfordi, this fish displays enhanced reddish hues in the fins and body, especially under quality lighting and when kept in groups.
Known for their calm, gliding swimming style and top-dwelling behavior, these fish are perfect for heavily planted aquariums, nano community tanks, and biotope setups. They're peaceful, shy, and pair beautifully with dwarf cichlids, shrimp, and other gentle species.
Scientific Name: Nannostomus beckfordi “Red”
Common Name: Red Beckford’s Pencilfish
Size Shipped: ~0.75–1 inch juveniles
Adult Size: ~1.5–2 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, schooling, calm
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Swimming Level: Surface to upper midwater
Origin: Tank-bred
Temperature: 72°F – 80°F (22°C – 27°C)
pH: 5.5 – 7.2 (slightly acidic preferred)
GH: 3 – 10
KH: 1 – 5
Tank Size: 10+ gallons
Tank Setup: Planted tanks with floating plants and subdued lighting
Filtration: Gentle flow preferred
✔ Striking red coloration and sleek, elegant profile
✔ Peaceful top-dweller – adds balance to aquascapes
✔ Great in nano tanks and South American biotopes
✔ Compatible with shrimp and small community fish
✔ Easy to care for and beginner-friendly
Micro pellets, nano flakes, and crushed food
Frozen/live foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops
Spirulina-based or color-enhancing foods
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions
Red Beckford’s Pencilfish are a top choice for aquarists seeking a peaceful, vibrant schooling species that enhances both the upper water column and the overall visual appeal of a planted tank. Their subtle elegance, paired with active yet calm behavior, makes them a favorite among nano fish keepers and aquascapers alike.
Red Beckford's Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi “Red”) – Sleek, Colorful Top-Dweller for Planted Tanks
The Red Beckford's Pencilfish is a refined, torpedo-shaped nano fish prized for its vibrant red tones, horizontal black stripe, and peaceful schooling nature. A selectively bred variant of Nannostomus beckfordi, this fish displays enhanced reddish hues in the fins and body, especially under quality lighting and when kept in groups.
Known for their calm, gliding swimming style and top-dwelling behavior, these fish are perfect for heavily planted aquariums, nano community tanks, and biotope setups. They're peaceful, shy, and pair beautifully with dwarf cichlids, shrimp, and other gentle species.
Scientific Name: Nannostomus beckfordi “Red”
Common Name: Red Beckford’s Pencilfish
Size Shipped: ~0.75–1 inch juveniles
Adult Size: ~1.5–2 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, schooling, calm
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Swimming Level: Surface to upper midwater
Origin: Tank-bred
Temperature: 72°F – 80°F (22°C – 27°C)
pH: 5.5 – 7.2 (slightly acidic preferred)
GH: 3 – 10
KH: 1 – 5
Tank Size: 10+ gallons
Tank Setup: Planted tanks with floating plants and subdued lighting
Filtration: Gentle flow preferred
✔ Striking red coloration and sleek, elegant profile
✔ Peaceful top-dweller – adds balance to aquascapes
✔ Great in nano tanks and South American biotopes
✔ Compatible with shrimp and small community fish
✔ Easy to care for and beginner-friendly
Micro pellets, nano flakes, and crushed food
Frozen/live foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops
Spirulina-based or color-enhancing foods
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions
Red Beckford’s Pencilfish are a top choice for aquarists seeking a peaceful, vibrant schooling species that enhances both the upper water column and the overall visual appeal of a planted tank. Their subtle elegance, paired with active yet calm behavior, makes them a favorite among nano fish keepers and aquascapers alike.
