Can Beckford's Pencilfish and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) Live Together?
Beckford's Pencilfish and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Behaviour & Temperament
Beckford's Pencilfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Beckford's Pencilfish.
Large aggression gap (6 points) between Beckford's Pencilfish and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.
Beckford's Pencilfish and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species. Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.
Worth noting: Beckford's Pencilfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.
Tank Setup
To house Beckford's Pencilfish and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 72 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.
Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Beckford's Pencilfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Beckford's Pencilfish and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) live together?▾
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Beckford's Pencilfish and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) need?▾
A minimum of 72 litres (tank length at least 60 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for Beckford's Pencilfish and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) together?▾
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Beckford's Pencilfish or Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) aggressive?▾
Beckford's Pencilfish is peaceful (2/10) and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is semi-aggressive (8/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Beckford's Pencilfish and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) need?▾
Both species overlap in the 7.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) nip Beckford's Pencilfish's fins?▾
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is a known fin nipper. If Beckford's Pencilfish has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
How do I manage Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)'s territorial behaviour?▾
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
Related Comparisons
Beckford's Pencilfish & Cardinal Tetra
·
Beckford's Pencilfish & Congo Tetra
·
Beckford's Pencilfish & Ember Tetra
·
Beckford's Pencilfish & Marbled Hatchetfish
·
Beckford's Pencilfish & Silver Dollar
·
Beckford's Pencilfish & Black Pacu
·
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) & Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
·
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) & Fahaka Puffer
·
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) & Mbu Puffer
·
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) & Dwarf Pea Puffer
·
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) & Amazon Puffer
·
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) & African Jewel Cichlid
·