Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Common Hatchetfish - Gasteropelecus sternicla

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 4/5
Sociability rating: 9/10
Area of tank: Top
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8, vs,s,m,h,vh
Temperature: 23 - 28C
Feeding: Floating foods, flake, small live or frozen foods
Minimum tank size: 75cm
Min / Max number in tank: Min 3

Fish fact file

Family: Gasteropelecidae (Freshwater hatchetfishes)
Synonyms: Clupea sternicla, Thoracocharax stellatus, Gasteropelecus coronatus
Other common names: Silver Hatchetfish, River Hatchetfish
Origin: South America
Natural habitat: Slow moving streams, swamps and pools with vegetation
Size: 6cm
Behavior: Peaceful, surface dwelling
Breeding: Deposits eggs on surface vegetation, unlikely to breed in aquariums
Natural water conditions: pH 6-7, medium
Sexing: Females are larger than males, more noticable when viewed from above

Fish code No.0929

Recently Viewed fish: Common Hatchetfish

The common hatchetfish is often confused with, and sold as, the silver hatchet. Silver hatchet fish (Thoracocharax securis) are larger and have a less uniformly curved underside.
Common hatchet fish are good aquarium fish providing the aquarium has some cover at the surface and is free from sudden disturbances. Like other hatchets, these fish can jump when spooked so a well fitted lid is adviseable. Provide cover with floating plants, or by dangling/fixing artificial plants above the surface. Make sure that plenty of open space is also left for swimming and feeding. Otherwise, these fish are relatively easy to care for, undemanding, and a good community fish.

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