Silver Hatchetfish, lat. Gasteropelecus sternicla- Gasteropelecus sternicla distribution
Family: Gasteropelecidae;
Genus: Gasteropelecus;
Species and synonyms: Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla, Silver Hatchetfish, Common Hatchetfish, River Hatchetfish).
GBIF:
Silver Hatchetfish (lat. Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Characiformes, family Gasteropelecidae, genus Gasteropelecus. One of the most recognizable aquarium fish due to its unusual body shape.
Distribution. The natural range of the Silver Hatchetfish covers rivers and streams of South America, mainly in the Amazon, Orinoco and Paraná basins in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and other countries. The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers, streams, floodplain lakes and canals with dense vegetation.
Care requirements. The Silver Hatchetfish is a schooling fish that grows up to 4–5 cm in the aquarium. To keep a school (minimum 6–8 specimens), an aquarium of at least 80 liters with a length of 60 cm with a tight-fitting lid is recommended, as the fish may jump out of the water. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Filtration with moderate flow, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, stones and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate, creating dense thickets, and open swimming areas are left.
Silver Hatchetfish are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, insects and zooplankton in the wild, which they catch at the water surface. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality fine flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, small bloodworms, insect larvae). It is important to vary the diet and provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 2–3 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Silver Hatchetfish are active in the upper water layers, often staying near the surface. They are peaceful and get along well with any peaceful fish. Recommended tankmates include tetras, rasboras, danios, dwarf barbs, gouramis, corydoras and any peaceful fish. It is not recommended to keep them with large or aggressive fish that may bully them or mistake them for food.
Breeding in home aquariums is extremely difficult and rarely occurs in hobby aquariums. Silver Hatchetfish are egg-laying fish, spawning on floating plants or fine-leaved substrates. Spawning requires special conditions and hormonal stimulation. Sexual differences are weakly expressed: females become fuller-bodied during the spawning period. In the aquarium hobby, most fish come from the wild or specialized farms.
The Silver Hatchetfish gets its name from its hatchet-shaped body, which allows the fish to jump out of the water and glide above the surface. The body is silvery with a dark longitudinal stripe and a characteristic keel on the chest. It is one of the most unusual aquarium fish, capable of moving through the air for short distances. Life expectancy is 3–5 years.