Care
The Beckford's or Golden Pencilfish is a peaceful species which should be kept in groups of 6 or more fish. The aquarium should have a dark substrate and background with plenty of plant cover, both rooted and floating. Occasionally males may bicker with one other, but no harm should ensue, particularly if there is a good network of plants for them to retreat to if necessary. Keeping more females than males also helps reduce aggression-related problems. Can be safely kept with other small fish of a similar disposition. Colours can vary, depending on the geographical location that they originated from. Acclimatisation should be carried out very carefully, and once settled into a good environment, the colours of these fish will really intensify.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, plus small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, and brineshrimp.
Breeding
A separate softwater breeding aquarium should be set up (peat filtration recommended) with plenty of fine-leaved plants and subdued lighting. When ready to spawn, and whilst swimming alongside one another, the male will nudge the female's abdomen. Up to 5 eggs at a time are laid/fertilised and these should fall into the mass of plants. This will continue until up to 200 eggs have been deposited, and the parents, being voracious egg-eaters, should be removed immediately. The eggs should then hatch after 24-36 hours with the fry free-swimming 5-6 days later. Feed on infusoria, moving on to larger foods as they grow.
