The golden pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi) is a peaceful fish that grows to about 2.5 inches and spends its time near the surface. Keep at least 5 together, in a tank of 20 gallons or more, at 75–82°F and pH 5–7.5.
20 galsmallest tank
2.5″adult size
75–82°Ftemperature
5–7.5pH
5+group size
Peacefultemperament
Good tankmates
Avoid
- ✕White cloud mountain minnow: Golden pencilfish and White cloud mountain minnow need different temperatures (75–82°F vs 60–72°F).
- ✕Rosy barb: Golden pencilfish and Rosy barb need different temperatures (75–82°F vs 64–72°F).
- ✕Paradise fish: Paradise fish is aggressive and best kept alone.
- ✕Convict cichlid: Convict cichlid is aggressive and best kept alone.
- ✕Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and best kept alone.
- ✕Fancy goldfish: Golden pencilfish and Fancy goldfish need different temperatures (75–82°F vs 65–72°F).
- ✕Comet goldfish: Golden pencilfish and Comet goldfish need different temperatures (75–82°F vs 60–72°F).
- ✕Pea puffer: Pea puffer is aggressive and best kept alone.
From TankCoach's own species data: common hobby guidance for adults, rounded. Individual fish vary. Not veterinary advice.