TankBud

Scherer's hatchetfish

Carnegiella schereri

Also known as Dwarf hatchetfish

FreshwaterFish

Scherer's hatchetfish (Carnegiella schereri)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
5.0–7.0
Adult size
1 in
2.6 cm
Minimum tank
14 gal
54 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Top
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Gasteropelecidae
Origin
Upper Amazon, Peru and Colombia

Overview

Scherer's hatchetfish is a nano surface fish that lives in a school just under the lid. It is rather delicate, so it is best with a little experience.

Did you know

For such a tiny fish, Scherer's hatchetfish has a surprisingly deep chest, and that wedge is mostly muscle. The pectoral-fin muscles make up a large share of its weight, all of it devoted to its jumping escape.

Caring for the Scherer's hatchetfish

Give Scherer's hatchetfish a tank of 14 gal (54 L) or more. It stays right at the surface and needs a tight cover, since even a small hatchetfish jumps. Floating plants and a shaded, calm surface let it settle and feed in the open, and gentle filtration suits it.

Keep the water warm, soft and low in minerals, at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) and a pH of 5.0 to 7.0. Keep it very stable, since this fish reacts badly to sudden swings. Clean, steady water matters as much as the size of its group.

It feeds from the surface, so offer small floating foods and crushed flake. Add micro frozen foods and tiny insects.

Keep Scherer's hatchetfish in a school of at least six, and a larger group hanging together under the lid looks and behaves best. It is peaceful, so keep it only with other tiny, gentle fish. Avoid anything boisterous that will outcompete it for food or unsettle it. Breeding is not recorded in aquaria.

Good to know

Carnegiella schereri is one of the smallest hatchetfish in the family Gasteropelecidae, between the marbled and the pygmy hatchets in size. Like all Carnegiella, it lacks an adipose fin and has a strongly keeled chest. Its plain silver body carries faint darker markings along the keel. Wild-caught fish make up the trade.

In the wild

This dwarf hatchetfish lives in the upper Amazon of Peru and neighboring Colombia. It is found in slow or still forest waters, such as small streams, swamps and flooded woodland thick with plants. The water there is soft and acidic.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Scherer's hatchetfish is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the top. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Scherer's hatchetfish need?

A Scherer's hatchetfish needs at least 14 gal (54 L). It spends most of its time in the top.

What temperature and pH does a Scherer's hatchetfish need?

A Scherer's hatchetfish is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 5.0–7.0.

What does a Scherer's hatchetfish eat?

A Scherer's hatchetfish feeds from the surface on small floating foods and crushed flake. It also takes micro frozen foods and tiny insects.

How big does a Scherer's hatchetfish get?

An adult Scherer's hatchetfish reaches about 1 in (2.6 cm).

Does a Scherer's hatchetfish need a group?

Yes. A Scherer's hatchetfish is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

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