Silver hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 100 L
- Maximum size
- 6.5 cm
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Group size
- ≥ 6
- Diet
- Carnivore
Care at a glance
The silver hatchetfish lives just below the surface and rarely leaves it: the deep, hatchet-shaped chest is built for picking insects off the surface and for leaping clear of the water when threatened. It does that in the aquarium too, so a tight-fitting cover is not a luxury.
Give a group of at least six a calm tank with some floating plants and open space at the top. It takes flakes and small live or frozen food, but only what stays afloat; anything that sinks is ignored. New fish are skittish for the first weeks and prone to ich, so acclimatise them gently and keep the temperature steady.
Good to know
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.