Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Golden Pencilfish

Nannostomus beckfordi

Also called Beckford's pencilfish, Brown pencilfish

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: rivers of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, the lower and middle Amazon up to the lower Rio Negro, the Rio Madeira and the Orinoco in Venezuela1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length6.5 cm1 2

Sizesmall

Hardier and easier than most pencilfish

Rich red and gold colours

Peaceful with small fish

1 2

Looks how to spot one

Slender, pencil-shaped scaled characin

A slim, cigar-shaped fish with a small mouth. A dark band runs along the side, with a warm reddish to golden band above it and a darker band below, and the tail and lower fins carry red. At night it switches to a pale pattern with vertical bars. Males are brighter and have a curved rear edge to the anal fin, while females are fuller-bodied.1 3

Coloursgoldreddark brown to black stripeblue-white fin tips1

Personality what they are like

A relatively peaceful fish that suits a calm community of similar-sized tetras and small catfish. Males like to spar with each other in a harmless, showy way when several are kept.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A steady, unhurried swimmer that patrols the middle and upper water among plants.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Adaptable compared with its relatives. Suggested ranges: about 21-27 C (FishBase gives 24-26 C), pH 5.0-8.0, hardness 1-15 dGH (FishBase gives 5-19 dH). Regular partial water changes keep it at its best.1 2

Home where they are happiest

Tank of at least 45-60 cm length (around 41 litres or more) with dense planting, wood and leaf litter, and gentle flow.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micropredator of tiny invertebrates. Offer small dried foods plus small live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp nauplii, moina and grindal worms.1 2

Company who they like around

Best in a group; at least 5 and ideally 10 or more, which spreads out the playful sparring between males.1 2

The story where it all began

Described by Albert Guenther in 1872, it is the type species of the pencilfish genus. It has been exported for aquariums since about 1910 and is one of the few pencilfish produced commercially, so it is widely available.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It has been sold as an aquarium fish since around 1910.2
2
At night it takes on a barred pattern, and this rhythm happens even in blind fish, so it seems to be automatic.1
3
Several fish once named as separate species are now treated as colour forms of this one.1
4
Its courtship behaviour has been studied in detail by scientists.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed September 2020)2
FishBase: Described by Guenther in 1872; type species of the genus Nannostomus2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Golden Pencilfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Golden Pencilfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and it's best to offer only what they can eat in a couple of minutes.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Golden Pencilfish eat, and what should it never eat?

They are micropredators that enjoy small dried foods plus live or frozen treats like brine shrimp nauplii, moina, and grindal worms. Avoid large or hard foods that could harm their small mouths.1 2

How much space does a Golden Pencilfish need?

A tank of at least 45-60 cm in length, which is around 41 litres or more, is recommended. This gives them room to swim and explore among plants.1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Golden Pencilfish need?

They adapt well to temperatures around 21-27°C, with a pH of 5.0-8.0 and hardness of 1-15 dGH. Gentle lighting and a calm water flow suit them best.1 2

How often should I clean a Golden Pencilfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Regular partial water changes keep them healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Golden Pencilfish live with others?

Yes, they are peaceful and do well in a calm community with similar-sized tetras and small catfish. Keep them in a group of at least 5, ideally 10 or more, to spread out playful male sparring.1 2

How long does a Golden Pencilfish live?

Their lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific details, it's best to ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Golden Pencilfish?

It's best not to handle them, as they are delicate fish that can be stressed by touch. Enjoy watching their graceful swimming instead.1 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Dwarf Pencilfish

Three-lined Pencilfish

Coral Red Pencilfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Nannostomus beckfordi - Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, care, diet, behaviour, colours
Nannostomus beckfordi summary - FishBase fishbase.seused for size, water parameters, IUCN, history
Nannostomus - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for genus lifespan, commercial breeding

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.