{"product_id":"red-pencilfish","title":"Nannostomus beckfordi (Beckford's  Red Pencilfish)","description":"\u003ch3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNannostomus beckfordi (Beckford's  Red Pencilfish)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBackground:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNannostomus beckfordi, commonly known as Beckford's  Red Pencilfish, is a striking nano fish native to the slow-moving streams and blackwater tributaries of South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin. Known for its elongated, pencil-like body and vibrant red and gold hues, this peaceful species adds subtle elegance and movement to planted aquariums. Their schooling nature and shimmering appearance make them an excellent choice for nano and community tanks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 22–27°C (72–80°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH: 5.5–7.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness: 2–8 dGH (soft water preferred)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Beckford's Red Pencilfish thrive on a diet of small, high-quality foods such as micro-pellets, crushed flakes, and frozen or live foods like baby brine shrimp and daphnia. A varied diet helps maintain their vibrant coloration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A well-planted aquarium with soft substrate, driftwood, and subdued lighting mimics their natural blackwater habitat. Floating plants provide additional shade, which enhances their colors and reduces stress.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful and active, they thrive in groups of at least 6–8 individuals. Their schooling behavior adds harmony and dynamic movement to aquascapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Minimum of 40 liters (10 gallons) to accommodate a small school.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Tips:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the water soft and acidic to replicate their natural blackwater conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain stable water parameters with regular water changes to ensure their health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide plenty of shaded areas and plants to encourage natural behavior and enhance their coloration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid housing with aggressive or large fish that may outcompete them for food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmber Tetras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRasboras (e.g., Chili Rasbora)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOtocinclus Catfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePygmy Corydoras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDwarf Shrimp (e.g., Amano Shrimp)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeckford's Red Pencilfish is a graceful and eye-catching species ideal for aquarists looking to enhance their nano or planted aquariums. With their peaceful schooling behavior and vibrant coloration, they bring both beauty and tranquility to any well-maintained setup.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AOA-Livestock","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39769097470085,"sku":"7289","price":35.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0385\/6331\/5845\/products\/Nannostomus_beckfordi_Beckford_s_Red_Pencilfish.webp?v=1734358439","url":"https:\/\/www.artofaqua.com\/products\/red-pencilfish","provider":"Art of Aqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}