Nannostomus beckfordi

The small, calm species Nannostomus beckfordi, also referred to as the Beckford’s pencilfish, gives an unusual charm to any aquarium. These delicate, torpedo-shaped fish are a favorite of both novice and expert aquarists due to their eye-catching colors and serene disposition.

These fish, which are native to South America’s slow-moving waters, especially the Amazon River basin, are well-suited to a range of tank environments. Their striking horizontal stripes and shimmering bodies not only add visual appeal to the aquarium, but they also create a calming atmosphere.

Nannostomus beckfordi are relatively hardy and easy to care for; they do best in well-planted aquariums with lots of hiding places. They are the perfect companion for other peaceful fish species because of their gentle nature. Beckford’s pencilfish are a great option to take into account when starting a new tank or expanding an existing community.

Habitat and range

South America: This species is widely distributed throughout the rivers of French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and the eastern Amazon basin in the Brazilian states of Pará and Amapá.

There have been reports of specimens from the lower and middle Amazon, the lower Rio Negro, the Rio Orinoco in Venezuela, and the Rio Madeira.

Prefers to remain close to the banks, especially in areas with dense aquatic vegetation or submerged trees and leaf litter. Commonly found in swamps and small rivers with weak currents. creates groups where men predominate.

While wild fish are still shipped out, a large portion of fish sold for aquariums are farmed for profit.

The origin of a wild population determines its color, and some populations have been previously classified as distinct species.

Description

The body is spindle-shaped and elongated, with a slight laterally flattening. The sides are grayish-yellow, the belly is white with a silvery tint, and the back is reddish-brown with a green sheen.

From the snout to the base of the tail, a broad black stripe runs, terminating in two brilliant scarlet spots. The fish glistens with red, gold, and purple along the stripe, as seen from below and above. Male pectoral fins have a reddish tint at the base, while female pectoral fins are pale orange or yellow. The remaining fins are colorless. All fins, with the exception of the anal, have dark rays, and the tips of the pelvic fins are colored a milky blue. It has a silvery throat. The mouth is slender and tiny. Adipose fin does not exist.

The fish almost entirely loses its color at night, turning transparent, and developing three dark oval spots on its body: one in the middle, one close to the anal fin, and one at the caudal fin’s root. possess the capacity to alter color based on their emotional state and state of maintenance.

Size:

65 mm is the maximum standard length.

Behavior and compatibility

It is advised to stay in groups of five or more people.

Generally speaking, peaceful neighbors of a similar size and small catfish are preferable; other inhabitants that live close to the surface, like wedge-bellied fish, should be avoided, especially in small aquariums.

Dwarf cichlids, which inhabit the middle and upper levels of the aquarium and do not pose a threat to their young, make excellent neighbors.

It starts to live a solitary and reclusive life due to either single maintenance or living in an area with hostile fish.

Get as many as you can from 10 or more, as the fish will be more active and less shy, more visible, have better coloring, and behave more naturally when they are in this number.

Aquarium

If you wish to group several males together, it is advised to use a larger aquarium. The basic dimensions are at least 45 * 30 cm or equivalent. The aquarium’s volume is chosen with 6-7 liters per person in mind.

The surrounding area is heavily planted with plants, which can provide the fish with cover. Driftwood and stones should be added to the aquarium for the same reason. You can still swim in the foreground. To the black earth is added a layer of fallen leaves. Multiple floating plants can assist in creating diffused lighting.

Peat extract should be added to the water.

Water parameters:

In the range of 23 to 27 °C pH range: 5.0 to 8.0 Intensity: 5–19 °DGH

A quarter of the water should be replaced every week to ensure adequate filtration and aeration.

Feeding

It consumes other zooplankton and small invertebrates in the wild.

They accept tubifex, cyclops, corethra, bloodworms, grindal worms, fruit flies, and Artemia nauplii in the aquarium. Food needs to be chopped finely, both live and dry. They would rather not eat anything close to the bottom.

Before they spawn, feed them fruit flies, and they won’t want to eat the eggs.

Aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose Nannostomus beckfordi, also called Beckford’s pencilfish, because of its tranquil temperament, eye-catching colors, and simplicity of maintenance. This little, slender fish enhances the vibrant activity and beauty of any freshwater setup, and it thrives in well-kept community tanks.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are distinctly round, and adult males are more intensely colored, especially when spawning.

At eight to ten months old, they reach sexual maturity.

Breeding

Fry may appear in the aquarium under ideal conditions without your assistance, but there is a significant chance that they will perish in this scenario.

It takes a little more of an organized approach to get them to multiply.

A few days prior to putting these fish in an aquarium for reproduction, you should separate the males and females. The preparedness for spawning is increased by intensive feeding with live food.

If spawning is paired, start the spawning tank at 5 liters. They can also spawn in groups of one or two males and several females, though it’s important to remember that the more people there are, the higher the chance that they’ll eat the eggs.

Installing a net on the bottom is preferable. Three-quarters of the area should be taken up by small-leaved plants. Feather grass, cabomba, and Java moss are the best choices. Diffused, muted light is provided by a few floating plants. little air circulation. The temperature is progressively raised to encourage spawning.

Water characteristics in the spawning aquarium: peaty, pH 6-6.5, dH 2-8, level about 10 cm, and 26–28 °C.

They spawn at night and are then taken out. Eggs are laid in multiple batches ranging from one to five pieces, and in certain instances, up to 200 eggs, by thin-leaved plants. They become less sticky and sink to the bottom in about an hour. The spawning tank needs to be completely dark during this time.

The fry start to swim after an additional three to five days of incubation for the eggs. Start providing rotifers, infusoria, and cyclops nauplii to the fry.

The fry have whitish and dark spots all over them; these spots are more numerous and nearly blend into a strip in the middle of the body. The fry are sedentary.

In ideal circumstances, an aquarium can last five to six years.

Common Name Beckford"s Pencilfish
Scientific Name Nannostomus beckfordi
Size Up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)
Habitat South American rivers and streams
Water Conditions Soft, acidic to neutral water
Temperature 72-79°F (22-26°C)
Diet Omnivorous, prefers small live or frozen foods
Tank Size Minimum 20 gallons
Behavior Peaceful, schooling fish
Tank Mates Suitable with other peaceful species

Aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose Nannostomus beckfordi, also called the Beckford’s pencilfish, because of its eye-catching appearance and tranquil temperament. Because of its small size and versatility, this fish is great for aquarists of all skill levels.

These fish flourish in tanks that are lushly planted and have a moderate water flow, allowing them to show off their brilliant colors and lively personalities. Their shoaling instincts are enhanced when kept in groups, which makes your aquarium seem lively and dynamic.

All things considered, Nannostomus beckfordi is a lovely, low-maintenance species that gives any community tank a refined look. They can brighten any aquarist’s setup and have long, healthy lives if given the right care.

Video on the topic

Nannostomus beckfordi, or Beckford"s – Nannostomus beckfordi

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Nannostomus beckfordi, young males

Nannostomus beckfordi

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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