From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 4 – 7
- Min. tank size
- 75 L
- Lifespan
- 2-5 years
- Diet
- carnivore
- Care level
- moderate
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Carnegiella strigata |
| Family: | Gasteropelecidae |
| Origin: | South America (Amazon basin blackwater streams) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | moderate |
| Diet: | carnivore |
| Max Size: | 4.00 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Group: | 10+ together |
| Varieties: | No cultivated strains — all trade fish are wild-caught, and the marbled pattern varies naturally between individuals and collection points. That variation is worth appreciating: each fish carries a slightly different arrangement of dark bars and blotches over a cream-gold body, so a group is visibly made of individuals. Several relatives reach the hobby and are easily confused. Carnegiella marthae, the black-winged hatchetfish, is similar in size with a dark line along the keel. Carnegiella myersi, the pygmy hatchetfish, is the smallest at around 20 mm. Gasteropelecus sternicla, the common or silver hatchetfish, is larger and plain silver with a dark lateral line and is the one most often sold alongside this species. Thoracocharax stellatus, the giant hatchetfish, is larger again. All are surface fish with the same requirements for cover, floating food and a tight lid. The Carnegiella species are the more delicate and the more strictly blackwater; Gasteropelecus is the hardier choice for a first attempt. |
| Lifespan: | 2-5 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Low
- Min Tank:75 L
- Substrate:Dark substrate; floating plants and a very tight lid
- Plant Safe:Plant-safe
- Filtration:Low to moderate (gentle flow)
Marbled Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) is a species of fish in the family Gasteropelecidae. It is native to South America (Amazon basin blackwater streams). The marbled hatchetfish is famous for something it does not do. It does not fly. The species has been reported to fly above the water surface using its pectoral fins, but this behaviour has never been properly documented — what actually happens is a powerful jump, used as a threat response, that can carry the fish a considerable distance across the surface. That threat response is the single most important husbandry fact about the species. An uncovered tank kills them. Everything about the fish is built around the surface: a deep, keel-like chest packed with the muscle that drives the pectoral fins, a flat back, and an upturned mouth for taking insects from the film. It reaches 35 mm standard length and needs a group of ten or more. Almost all fish in the trade are wild-caught.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Keep in
- Groups of 10+
- Swims
- top
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
Species similar to Marbled Hatchetfish
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