Hatchetfish Care Guide
Carnegiella strigata · Moderate care · 15 gallon minimum
A surface-dwelling, deep-chested fish that 'flies' to catch insects; a notorious jumper — keep tightly lidded.
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How big does a hatchetfish get?
A hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) reaches about 1.5 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a hatchetfish a minimum of 15 gallons, with water at 75–82°F and a pH of 5.5–7. Keep them in groups of at least 6 — they are shoaling fish and become stressed and washed-out alone. As a moderate-care, carnivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a hatchetfish with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Neon Tetra — 1.5", 10g min
- Guppy — 2.0", 10g min
- Molly — 4.0", 20g min
- Platy — 2.5", 10g min
- Zebra Danio — 2.0", 10g min
About the hatchetfish
The marbled hatchetfish is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Gasteropelecidae, the freshwater hatchetfishes. The small deep-bodied fish, in the genera Carnegiella, is from the family Gasteropelecidae which includes both Gasteropelecus and Thoracocharax. This species is found in South America, and in rivers and streams all throughout Northern South America.
Recommended gear for hatchetfishs
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