Beckford's Pencilfish

Beckford's Pencilfish works beautifully in 10- to 20-gallon planted tanks where you want color and movement without crowding the aquascape.

Beckford's Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi) is best kept as a school in a fully cycled 10- to 20-gallon aquarium. They look best and behave most naturally in a proper group. This species is especially useful in planted tank layouts because it adds motion without overpowering the scape. Adult shrimp are usually left alone in well-planted tanks.

Quick Care Notes

• Tank Size: 10+ gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Max Size: Around 1–2 inches
• Best Kept As: School of 6 or more
• Plant Safe: Yes
• Community Safe: Yes
• Temperature: 72°F - 82°F
• pH: 6.5 - 7.5

At Nano Fish Direct, we curate livestock for small aquariums first, so species like this are chosen to fit real 5- to 20-gallon setups—not generic catch-all catalogs.

Shipping note: Live fish and invertebrates ship with our overnight live animal service. Processing time is typically 3–5 business days before shipment.