The red pencil fish (Nannostomus beckfordi) is one of the most prized species in aquariums, both for its beautiful colors and its social behavior and its ability to adapt easily to different aquatic environments. Below, you'll learn in detail everything you need to ensure these small fish thrive in your aquarium, from their behavior to the ideal environment and the most appropriate diet.
Physical description and characteristics of the red pencil fish
The red pencil fish It is distinguished by its elongated and thin body, reaching about 4 centimeters in length in adulthood. They are known for their intense color and the three dark horizontal stripes that run across a general gold or silver background. This pattern varies in intensity depending on the specimen, and especially the sex: Adult males show a more intense reddish tone which runs between the two upper lines from the eye to the caudal fin. Like other species of its genus, it lacks an adipose fin.
El sexual dimorphism It is quite visible in the species. In addition to the more vivid red color in males, they tend to be somewhat slimmer and often more active, especially during mating periods, when they may display territorial behavior toward other males.
Origin and natural habitat
Native to South America, specifically the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, the red pencil fish lives mainly in slow-moving waters, small rivers, and marshy areas with abundant vegetation and leaf litter. This preference for densely planted habitats rich in organic matter greatly influences the optimal conditions we should replicate in the home aquarium.
In nature they form numerous banks, which provides them with security and encourages their social activity and constant interaction. For this reason, it is advisable to always keep them in groups to avoid stress and health problems caused by loneliness.
Behavior and compatibility in the aquarium
The red pencil fish is a species highly appreciated for its sociable and peaceful character: They adapt well to life in shared community aquariums with species of similar size and temperament. However, during the breeding season, Males may become more territorial and uncompromising towards each other, so it is advisable to observe their behavior and, if necessary, increase the density of plants or shelters.
These fish feel much more secure and show natural behavior when living in groups of at least 8 to 12 individualsIn schools, they tend to flutter around the aquarium, interacting with each other and displaying their most intense colors, which is a sign of well-being.
Avoid cohabitation with large or aggressive fish, as well as larger crustaceans, as the red pencil fish can become easy prey or suffer constant harassment. They are an excellent choice for community aquariums alongside small characins, loricariids, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids.
Aquarium requirements: dimensions, decor, and water parameters
- Aquarium sizeAlthough they can live in 50 to 60 liters of aquarium space due to their small size, it's best to offer them larger aquariums, especially if you're keeping a large group, so they can swim and display their group behavior. A front of at least 60 centimeters is recommended.
- Plant density: Red pencil fish are grateful densely planted aquariums, with roots, trunks, and fine-leaved plants to shelter them in. This helps them feel safe and reduces aggression during the mating season.
- Substratum: The substrate can be dark or natural, with dry leaves and branches, simulating the natural habitat, which also favors a slight acidification of the water.
- Water qualityThey are very sensitive to poor water quality, so efficient filtration (without strong currents) and rigorous maintenance are recommended. Using peat in the filter can be beneficial for achieving ideal parameters.
Ideal parameters for the red pencil fish:
- Temperature: between 24°C and 28°C.
- pH: 5,5 to 7,5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- Hardness: soft to moderately hard (up to 12 dGH).
It is essential to carry out periodic water changes, at least every two weeks, to ensure a clean and stable environment. The accumulation of organic matter and nitrogen compounds can seriously affect your health.
Nutrition: a varied diet for health and color
The red pencil fish is omnivore and accepts a wide variety of foods well once adapted to the aquarium. However, it is recommended that its diet be as varied as possible to preserve its health, enhance its coloration, and encourage its active behavior. A balanced diet should include:
- Dry food: Flakes, quality granules and sticks specially formulated for small fish.
- Live or frozen foodsMosquito larvae (red and white), cyclops, brine shrimp, and small daphnia. These are ideal during the adaptation period and stimulate activity and color.
- Plant components: spirulina flakes, blanched and crushed vegetables (zucchini, spinach), to aid digestion and provide nutrients.
It is important to feed red pencil fish in small amounts several times a day, avoiding leaving debris on the bottom to maintain water quality. A diverse diet also facilitates reproduction and strengthens the immune system.
Reproduction in aquarium
La reproduction Breeding red pencil fish in the aquarium is feasible if the appropriate conditions are provided. They usually scatter their eggs among the plants without subsequent parental care. To promote reproductive success:
- Use a breeding aquarium with dim lighting and fine-leaved vegetation or synthetic mops for spawning.
- Keep the water slightly acidic to neutral and the temperature towards the high range (26-28°C).
- Introduce a pair or small group, preferably one or two females per male.
- After spawning, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
The eggs hatch in few days and the larvae can initially be fed with infusoria or powdered fry food, gradually switching to brine shrimp nauplii.
Diseases, prevention and maintenance
As sensitive fish, the red pencil fish can be affected by common aquarium diseases, such as bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections if water quality deteriorates. The rigorous maintenance and daily observation help in prevention:
- Parameter control: Check temperature, pH and hardness regularly.
- Effective filtration: use a suitable filter without excessive current.
- Isolation of sick people: If you detect symptoms (spots, lethargy, difficulty swimming), separate the affected specimens.
Additional tips and recommendations for living together
- Avoid overcrowding the aquarium, since an excess de peces can lead to stress, fights and water deterioration.
- Do not mix several gregarious species of the same size or swimming area. in small aquariums, to avoid competition and aggression.
- Provides open areas for swimming next to dense plant shelters.
- Introduce them before other larger fish to facilitate their acclimatization.
Due to its color, sociability, and adaptability, the red pencil fish is an ideal species for those who want to enjoy the natural behavior of fish in community aquariums. Keeping them in optimal conditions and in appropriate groups ensures their vitality and visual appeal in any well-designed aquarium.