Spotfin hatchetfish

Care at a glance

Overview

Sold as the silver or platinum hatchet, this is the big one; the small silver hatchetfish is Gasteropelecus levis. Keep them in a group of 6 or more near the surface, with open swimming room and some floating plants for cover. They are peaceful and spend almost all their time at the top, so pair them with mid and bottom dwellers to fill the tank. A tight fitting lid is essential, because these fish are true jumpers that can launch clear of the water.

In the wild

Hangs just beneath the surface in rivers, creeks, and flooded areas, often where the current is gentle. The deep, keeled chest and upturned mouth are built for picking insects off the film and snatching prey from the air. They stay tight to the top of the water in groups.

Good to know

Thoracocharax stellatus has a deep, blade like breast packed with muscle that powers its enlarged pectoral fins. It is the largest of the commonly seen hatchetfishes at around 9 cm. A dark spot marks the dorsal fin.

Common questions

Related species

• 

  Spotted hatchetfish

  Gasteropelecus maculatus

  3.5 in (9 cm) · 26 gal (100 L)

  3.5 in (9 cm)26 gal (100 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)

• 

  Common hatchetfish

  Gasteropelecus sternicla

  1.6 in (4 cm) · 33 gal (125 L)

  1.6 in (4 cm)33 gal (125 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)

• 

  Marbled hatchetfish

  Carnegiella strigata

  1.6 in (4 cm) · 32 gal (120 L)

  1.6 in (4 cm)32 gal (120 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)

• 

  Blackwing hatchetfish

  Carnegiella marthae

  1.4 in (3.5 cm) · 30 gal (115 L)

  1.4 in (3.5 cm)30 gal (115 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)

• 

  Silver hatchetfish

  Gasteropelecus levis

  1.4 in (3.5 cm) · 30 gal (112 L)

  1.4 in (3.5 cm)30 gal (112 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)

• 

  Scherer's hatchetfish

  Carnegiella schereri

  1 in (2.6 cm) · 14 gal (54 L)

  1 in (2.6 cm)14 gal (54 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)