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Silver Hatchet Group (Gasteropelecus sternicla)
Silver Hatchet Group
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Silver Hatchet Group (Gasteropelecus sternicla)
Additional locales and sizes may be available!
Additional locales and sizes may be available!

Quick Stats

Care Level Difficult
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Tan, White
Diet Carnivore
Water Conditions 73-79° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.0
Max. Size 2"
Family Gasteropelecidae
Minimum Tank Size 20 gallons
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Difficult
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Tan, White
Diet Carnivore
Water Conditions 73-79° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.0
Max. Size 2"
Family Gasteropelecidae
Minimum Tank Size 20 gallons
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

Silver Hatchets, also known as the Common Hatchetfish, are among the more uniquely shaped species of fish. Hatchetfish have a slender body with a deep "belly" and pectoral fins that are set high on the body. Hatchetfish have upturned mouths characteristic of true surface dwellers.

Gasteropelecus sternicla prefers a planted aquarium with a few floating plants. A schooling fish, the Silver Hatchet is best kept in a group of six or more. A hood on the aquarium is necessary, as this fish likes to jump. Excellent water quality must be maintained to keep this fish at its best.

Unfortunately, the Silver Hatchet's breeding habits have not been documented. It is thought that this fish may breed in soft water and a low pH. A good diet of fresh mosquito larvae and fruit flies may trigger spawning and the depositing of eggs on floating plants.

A carnivore, the Silver Hatchet will eat floating foods such as freeze dried bloodworms and tubifex, high quality flake food, mosquito larvae, small flies, and some other meaty live or frozen foods.

Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 2"

Customer Testimonials

Rick H San Francisco , CA
This a unique little South American fish. They do best in a school of five or more. One moment they hang like a twinkling chandelier, the next moment they flash through the water so fast you only see a blur. They do jump. A hood is absolutely a must.
Grace T Constantine , MI
Very pretty fish. They are flyers and love jumping in and out of water, So, if you want them around a long time, you must have a hood on your tank. Very hard to find them outside of LiveAquaria.com which is why I would recommend these fish be bought from here. They bring a nice little something to your community tank. I enjoy watching them swim around and interacting with each other and their tankmates.
Billy J Sacramento , CA
Difficult... Um... No! He was the first fish we got. Gorgeous! Absolutely a must!!!! Just like the picture if not better. As they get older, they even develop a pretty, little black stripe. Amazing! Mine is named Cosmic, and he is perfect. The only thing is that you HAVE to have a top on your tank, because he is a jumper. Otherwise, perfect!
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