Beckford's Pencilfish
Nannostomus beckfordi
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 display natural behaviour as well as helping to reduce skittishness.Floating plants are a useful addition as are driftwood branches and dried leaf litter, the latter in particular driving establishment of microbe colonies as decomposition occurs.Such microorganisms can provide a valuable secondary food source for fry, whilst the tannins and other chemicals released by the decaying leaves are also thought beneficial.Filtration need only be gentle with an air-powered sponge-style unit normally adequate, although a degree of water movement is acceptable.