From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Silver Hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 5 – 7.5
- Min. tank size
- 108 L
- Lifespan
- 2-5 years
- Diet
- carnivore
- Care level
- moderate
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Gasteropelecus sternicla |
| Family: | Gasteropelecidae |
| Origin: | South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | moderate |
| Diet: | carnivore |
| Max Size: | 4.00 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Group: | 6+ together |
| Varieties: | No cultivated strains — all trade fish are wild-caught, and the plain silver body with its dark lateral line varies little between individuals. Several relatives reach the hobby and are frequently confused. Carnegiella strigata, the marbled hatchetfish, is smaller with a mottled cream-and-brown pattern and is more strictly blackwater. Carnegiella marthae, the black-winged hatchetfish, carries a dark line along the keel. Carnegiella myersi, the pygmy hatchetfish, is the smallest at around 20 mm. Thoracocharax stellatus, the giant hatchetfish, is larger and deeper-bodied. Within Gasteropelecus, G. maculatus and G. levis also appear occasionally. This species is the hardiest and most adaptable of the group, tolerating a wider range of water than the Carnegiella species, which makes it the sensible first hatchetfish. All of them need the same things: a group, surface area, floating cover, floating food and a tight lid. |
| Lifespan: | 2-5 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Low
- Min Tank:108 L
- Substrate:Dark substrate; floating plants and an absolutely tight lid
- Plant Safe:Plant-safe
- Filtration:Low to moderate (gentle flow; calm surface)
Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a species of fish in the family Gasteropelecidae. It is native to South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins). The silver hatchetfish is the one everybody has heard of, and the flying is a myth. Research using high-speed video demonstrated that the pectoral fins are used in leaving the water but not while the fish is in the air. What looks like flight is a powerful jump — impressive, but ballistic rather than powered. The fish itself is built for exactly that: a deep keel-shaped chest packed with the muscle that drives the pectorals, a flat back, and an upturned mouth for taking insects from the surface film. It reaches 40 mm standard length, is highly peaceful but nervous and shy, and requires a minimum group of six. It occupies the surface almost constantly, and it will escape through an open cover at night — after one or two jumps it tires quickly, which is little consolation if the first one clears the tank.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Keep in
- Groups of 6+
- Swims
- top
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- Yes — keep away from nippers
Species similar to Silver Hatchetfish
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