Can rams live with pencilfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, rams and pencilfish can live together. Both are fine at 80–82°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

German blue ramGerman blue ram80–86°F · pH 5–7 PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 80–82°German blue ram 80–86°Pencilfish 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 5–7German blue ram 5–7Pencilfish 5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

German blue ram · 2.5 inPencilfish · 2 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

German blue ramPencilfish
Temperature80–86 °F75–82 °F
pH5–75–7.5
Adult size2.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal15 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for rams

All german blue ram tank mates

Better tank mates for pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Questions

Can rams live with pencilfish?

Yes, rams and pencilfish can live together. Both are fine at 80–82°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both rams and pencilfish?

80–82 °F. Rams need 80–86 °F, pencilfish need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do rams and pencilfish need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the german blue ram. Add space for each extra fish.