Beckford’s Red Pencil Fish – A Tiny Splash of Elegance for Your Aquarium

If you’re looking to add a delicate yet vibrant touch to your freshwater community tank, the Beckford’s Red Pencil Fish (Nannostomus beckfordi) is a perfect choice. Known for its slender, pencil-like shape and striking red body accented with a bold black stripe, this small but charismatic fish brings elegance and peaceful schooling behavior to planted aquariums.

Origins & Natural Habitat

Native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon Basin in South America — including Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname — Beckford’s Red Pencil Fish thrives in soft, slightly acidic water rich in organic material and shaded by dense vegetation. Mimicking these natural conditions in your aquarium will help these fish flourish and display their brightest colors.

Appearance

True to its name, Beckford’s Red Pencil Fish has a long, slender body with a brilliant red or orange base color, complemented by a sharp black horizontal stripe that runs from the nose to the tail. This striking contrast makes them stand out even in densely planted tanks. Adults typically reach about 2 inches in length.

Behavior & Temperament

Beckford’s Red Pencil Fish are peaceful, shy, and highly social. They are happiest and healthiest when kept in schools of six or more, where their natural schooling instincts shine. Their calm demeanor makes them excellent tankmates for other small, peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and dwarf corydoras.

Aquarium Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small school

• Water Temperature: 72–82°F

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to slightly hard

• Tank Setup: Heavily planted with plenty of hiding spots; subdued lighting enhances their coloration

• Substrate: Dark substrate recommended to contrast their vibrant colors

Diet

Beckford’s Red Pencil Fish are omnivores with a preference for small, protein-rich foods. A varied diet will keep them healthy and colorful, including:

• High-quality micro pellets or flakes

• Live or frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and bloodworms

• Occasionally finely crushed vegetable matter

Why Choose Beckford’s Red Pencil Fish?

These little fish bring grace and color without demanding large tanks or complicated care. Their gentle nature and striking appearance make them ideal for peaceful community setups and nano tanks alike. Watching a well-kept school dart through plants is a mesmerizing sight that adds life and depth to any aquarium.