Common Hatchetfish
Updated August 6, 2019
Author: Mike - FishLore Admin
Social Media: 
The common hatchetfish gets to about 1.5 inches in size and likes to be kept in a school of 6 or more. A 20 gallon aquarium that is fully cycled with peaceful tank mates and lots of top level swimming space would be good to start with.
The will eat small insects, worms, flake food, thawed and live fish foods. You also need to have a good fitting hood (or lower the water level) when keeping hatchetfish.
Take your time when introducing them to your tank. Spend an hour or more doing a slow drip acclimation and feed them a couple of times per day and they will reward you with lots of activity.
Common Hatchetfish Care
Scientific Name : Gasteropelecus sternicla
Common Names : River Hatchetfish
Care Level : Medium, slowly acclimate them to your tank.
Size : Up to 1.5 inches (3.5 cm)
pH : 6 - 7
Temperature : 73°F - 80°F (23°C - 27°C)
Water Hardness : 4° to 15° dH
Lifespan : 2 - 5 years
Origin / Habitat : South America, Amazon River, Peru and Venezuela - found in slow flowing creeks or swamps
Temperament / Behavior : Does well with other species, needs to be kept in groups of 6 or more
Breeding : No breeding info at this time.
Aquarium Size : 20 gallon or larger, needs to be kept in groups
Compatible Tank Mates : Many, given their peaceful nature.
Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease
Diet / Foods : Will eat flakes, live, thawed and freeze dried foods. In the wild they may jump out of the water to get small insects.
Tank Region : Top of the tank, surface dweller.
Gender : The females are larger than the males.
Similar Species : Marble Hatchetfish
Fish Lore Forum : Hatchetfish Forum
Photo Credit : Photos copyright JJPhoto.dk
Still have Hatchetfish questions?
Jump on the forum and ask your question!
Go here: Hatchetfish Forum