{"product_id":"red-beckford-s-pencilfish-nannostomus-beckfordi-red","title":"Red Beckford’s Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi 'red')","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eAdd a vibrant splash of color and unique personality to your aquascape with the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"80\"\u003eRed Beckford’s Pencilfish\u003c\/b\u003e. This stunning color morph of the classic Beckford’s Pencilfish is a favorite among hobbyists for its intense ruby-red coloration and fascinating swimming behavior. Known for their \"pencil-like\" shape and horizontal swimming style, these peaceful schooling fish are the perfect addition to any planted community aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eQuick Overview\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e South America (Amazon Basin, Guyana, and Suriname)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Easy to Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e Peaceful; Shoaling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNatural Habitat \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe Red Beckford’s Pencilfish originates from the slow-moving rivers, swamps, and flooded forests of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"101\"\u003eSouth America\u003c\/b\u003e. They are naturally found in \"blackwater\" environments characterized by high tannin levels, soft water, and dense overhanging vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAquarium Care \u0026amp; Environment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eTo see these fish at their best, a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"35\"\u003eplanted aquarium\u003c\/b\u003e is highly recommended. The dark greens of live plants provide a beautiful contrast to their deep red bodies and make them feel secure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e Minimum \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"19\"\u003e20 gallons\u003c\/b\u003e for a small school.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/b\u003e They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water. Aim for a pH between \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"88\"\u003e6.0 – 7.5\u003c\/b\u003e and a temperature range of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"125\"\u003e72°F – 82°F\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSetup:\u003c\/b\u003e Use driftwood, dried leaf litter (like Indian Almond leaves), and floating plants to mimic their natural habitat. Dimmer lighting will encourage bolder behavior and more intense coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003eRed Beckford’s Pencilfish are \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"30\"\u003eomnivores\u003c\/b\u003e with small mouths, so they require appropriately sized food. They are primarily top-to-mid-water feeders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRecommended Foods:\u003c\/b\u003e High-quality micro-granules, crushed flakes, and frozen or live treats such as \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"98\"\u003ebaby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSocial Behavior \u0026amp; Tank Mates\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eThese are social fish that \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"27\"\u003emust be kept in groups\u003c\/b\u003e of at least 6 to 10 individuals. Keeping them in a school reduces stress and allows males to display their best colors during harmless \"sparring\" matches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCompatible Mates:\u003c\/b\u003e Ideal for community tanks with other peaceful species like \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"77\"\u003eNeon Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, Dwarf Gouramis, Harlequin Rasboras, and peaceful Dwarf Cichlids\u003c\/b\u003e (like Apistogramma). Avoid large or aggressive tank mates that might see them as a snack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBreeding\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eBreeding the Red Beckford’s Pencilfish is achievable for the dedicated hobbyist. They are egg-scatterers and do not provide parental care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Setup:\u003c\/b\u003e A separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water and plenty of fine-leaved plants (like Java Moss) is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Process:\u003c\/b\u003e After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The fry are very small and will require infusoria or liquid fry food as their first meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhy Choose Red Beckford’s Pencilfish?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003eBeyond their beauty, these fish offer a unique \"night mode\"—they actually change their color pattern at night to a barred camouflage to hide from predators! If you are looking for a hardy, colorful, and active schooling fish, the Red Beckford’s Pencilfish is an exceptional choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe photos shown on fish product pages are representations of adult fish and are NOT the actual fish that you will be receiving.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease visit our “Ordering\/Shipping fish” page prior to checking out to familiarize yourself with our process.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e⁃\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWe ship fish exclusively using overnight shipping with either FedEx or UPS. We will not ship fish with lesser expensive shipping services like “Ground” or “Priority Mail”. This is to ensure the safety of the fish.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KGTropicals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41102234452032,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1478\/2240\/files\/Unknown-35.jpg?v=1778189375","url":"https:\/\/keepfishkeeping.com\/products\/red-beckford-s-pencilfish-nannostomus-beckfordi-red","provider":"KGTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}