TankBud

Spotfin hatchetfish

Thoracocharax stellatus

Also known as Silver hatchetfish, Silver hatchet, Starry hatchetfish, Platinum hatchetfish

FreshwaterFish

Spotfin hatchetfish (Thoracocharax stellatus)
Imperial Tropicals · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
3.5 in
9 cm
Minimum tank
26 gal
100 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Swim level
Top
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Gasteropelecidae
Origin
Widespread across the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay river basins in South America.

Overview

The spotfin hatchetfish is a big, peaceful hatchetfish that shoals near the surface of a community tank. It is best kept by someone with some experience.

Did you know

A spotfin hatchetfish can beat its fins and skim across the surface of the water. That is about as close to true flight as any fish gets.

Caring for the spotfin hatchetfish

Give spotfin hatchetfish a tank of 26 gal (100 L) or more, with open swimming room near the surface. Add some floating plants for cover. A tight-fitting lid is essential, because they are true jumpers that can launch clear of the water. Keep the water at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Keep them in a group of six or more. Spotfin hatchetfish are peaceful and spend almost all their time at the top. Pair them with mid-water and bottom dwellers to fill the tank.

Good to know

The spotfin hatchetfish is sold as the silver or platinum hatchet, but the small silver hatchetfish is a different fish, Gasteropelecus levis. Thoracocharax stellatus is the largest of the commonly seen hatchetfishes in the family Gasteropelecidae. It has a deep, blade-like breast packed with muscle that powers its enlarged pectoral fins, and a dark spot marks the dorsal fin.

In the wild

The spotfin hatchetfish is widespread across the Amazon, Orinoco and Paraguay river basins in South America. It hangs just beneath the surface of rivers, creeks and flooded areas, often where the current is gentle. Its upturned mouth is built for picking insects off the surface film and snatching prey from the air. Groups stay tight to the top of the water.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The spotfin hatchetfish is a peaceful, shoaling 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 spotfin hatchetfish need?

A spotfin hatchetfish needs at least 26 gal (100 L). It spends most of its time in the top.

What temperature and pH does a spotfin hatchetfish need?

A spotfin hatchetfish is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

How big does a spotfin hatchetfish get?

An adult spotfin hatchetfish reaches about 3.5 in (9 cm).

Does a spotfin hatchetfish need a group?

Yes. A spotfin hatchetfish is a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

Related species