Edit Nannostomus beckfordi
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Name
Scientific name
Nannostomus beckfordi
Described by
Authority Günther, Year 1872
Family
Lebiasinidae
Summary
The golden pencilfish, Nannostomus beckfordi, is a lebiasinid widely distributed across Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil and Venezue…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
65mm, standard length
Tank size
Minimum length 45 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 21–27°C, pH 5–8
Hardness
1–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries
Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela
Supporting text
Etymology
Nannostomus: from the Latin nannus, meaning 'small', and Greek stoma, meaning 'mouth', in reference to the small mouthparts of member species. beckfordi: named…
Distribution
Type locality is 'Goedverwagting, a plantation on the Coast of Demerara, Guyana' but this species is widely-distributed throughout rivers of Guyana, Suriname, …
Habitat
Inhabits sluggish tributaries, small rivers and swampy areas, particularly in areas with dense growth of aquatic vegetation or submerged woody structures and l…
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of at least 45 ∗ 30 cm18 ∗ 12 in or equivalent are necessary, with larger housing recommended if you wish to keep multiple males together.
Maintenance
Should ideally be kept in a heavily-planted set-up, preferably with a dark substrate. The broken lines of sight that exist in such a display allow it to displa…
Water conditions
Temperature: 21 – 27 °C70 – 81 °F pH: 5.0 – 8.0, though wild fish may do best towards the lower end of this range. Hardness: 1 – 15 dGH; notes for wild fish as…
Diet
A micropredator feeding on tiny invertebrates and other zooplankton in nature. In the aquarium it will accept dried foods of a suitable size but should also be…
Behaviour and compatibility
Relatively peaceful and will not compete well with very boisterous or much larger tankmates. In a community it's best kept with similarly-sized, peaceful chara…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males are more intensely-coloured, especially when in spawning condition, while females are noticeably rounder-bodied. The anal-fin of the male has a cur…
Reproduction
An egg-scattering free spawner exhibiting no parental care. When in good condition adults will spawn often and in a mature aquarium it's possible that small nu…
Notes
This is the type species of the genus, fairly ubiquitous in the aquarium trade, and represents an excellent choice for the newcomer to fishkeeping since it's l…
References
References
8 on this profile