Scientific Name
Nannostomus beckfordi

Common Name
Golden pencilfish

Biology
Inhabits small rivers with little current and in swamps where they are very common. Forms groups where the males dominate to defend their territory. Is highly appreciated by aquarists (Ref. 12225). Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects (Ref. 7020). Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539).

Classification

Classified By

G?nther, 1872

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Characins (Characiformes)

Family

Pencilfishes (Lebiasinidae)

Distribution

Region

South America

Distribution

South America: native in the rivers of Guyana south to the Amazon basin and up the Amazon River to the Negro River.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

24 °C

Water Temperature To

26 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19 benthopelagic

Trophic Level

3.25 s.e. 0.39 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

6.5 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (10 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec = 200)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated