Spotted hatchetfish

Care at a glance

Overview

Keep spotted hatchetfish in a group of 6 or more at the surface, with floating plants for cover and open water to cruise. They are peaceful and stick to the very top, so pair them with mid and bottom dwellers. A tight lid is a must, because startled hatchetfish will shoot out of the water.

In the wild

Hangs right at the surface of streams, creeks, and quiet river margins, often under overhanging plants. The keeled chest and upturned mouth are built to snatch insects off the surface film. It stays tight to the top in groups.

Good to know

Gasteropelecus maculatus is one of the larger hatchetfishes at around 9 cm, its silvery body scattered with dark spots. Its deep, muscular breast powers the enlarged pectoral fins. It belongs to the family Gasteropelecidae.

Did you know

When alarmed, hatchetfish beat their winglike pectoral fins and skitter across the surface, and a spooked group in an open tank will jump clear of the water.

Related species

• 

  Common hatchetfish

  Gasteropelecus sternicla

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

• 

  Spotfin hatchetfish

  Thoracocharax stellatus

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

• 

  Marbled hatchetfish

  Carnegiella strigata

  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)68–82°F (20–28°C)

• 

  Pygmy hatchetfish

  Carnegiella myersi

  1 in (2.5 cm)26 gal (100 L)73–79°F (23–26°C)

• 

  Hognosed brochis

  Brochis multiradiatus

  3.5 in (9 cm)40 gal (150 L)70–79°F (21–26°C)