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Silver Hatchetfish

Gasteropelecus sternicla

Freshwater South America

Carrying a bright platinum sheen, the silver hatchetfish is a larger surface-hugger with prominent pectoral fins and a convex keel. It gathers under floating vegetation to pick off surface insects. Because it jumps powerfully when spooked, the aquarium requires a completely enclosed hood.

Also called: Common hatchetfish, River hatchetfish, Silver hatchet fish, Silver hatchetfish.

5.5 cm adult length, drawn to scale. deep body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 6 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 5.5 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 80 L, at least 80 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 5 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 2 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 22 to 28 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6 to 7.5 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 3 to 12, KH 1 to 5 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Low Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size At least 6, ideally 8 Kept alone or in small numbers it hides, fades or turns on tankmates.
Temperament Peaceful Not territorial.
Swims in Upper water Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 5 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Some experience helps A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Silver Hatchetfish is an carnivore that swims in the upper water. It is safe with plants. Give it some cover.

Tankmates

Works with

No close matches in the data. Check the pair tool.

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.