Characins - Part 5 of 9
Hatchetfish
Hatchetfish
Easily identified by their deep hatchet shaped body, and fins located high enough to be mistaken for wings, there is little doubt where the hatchetfish derived it's name. Owners might wonder if they actually do have wings, as they are quite capable of leaping out of a tank with ease. In the wild hatchetfish have been known to cover significant distances out of the water by using powerful pectoral muscles to rapidly flap their fins. Like other tetras, Hatchetfish require high oxygen levels and excellent water quality. They also enjoy swimming into a current (a power head would be appreciated), preferably in schools of at least 4-6 fish. Like most schooling fish, a single hatchetfish will usually not thrive.
The most commonly seen hachetfish in home aquaria is the Common Hachetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) and the much smaller Marbled Hachetfish (Carnegiella strigata). Often mistakenly called the Silver Hachetfish, Gasteropelecus sternicla is a good candidate for the community tank. If given a varied diet of both flake and live foods, provided with plenty of room, and good water, they will live for up to seven or eight years. It's close relative, Thoracpcharax securisis, is the true Silver Hachetfish. Considered the "king" of the hachetfish family, it has been observed flying as much as four to five feet through the air, propelled by the flapping of its pectoral fins. In the wild it can grow up to four inches in length. Still another member of this family, the Spotted Hachetfish (Gasteropelecus maculatus), may occasionally be seen in home aquaria. It is very similar in appearance to both the Common and Silver hachetfish, however it has small dark spots sprinkled across it's back.
In popularity the Marbled Hachetfish (Carnegiella strigata) follows closely on the heels of the Common Hatchetfish. Smaller and less hardy, it is considered by many more attractive than it's plain silver cousin. An even more delicate, and less often seen member of the Carnigiella family, is the lovely Black-winged Hachetfish (Carnegiella marthae). Both the Marbled and Black-winged hatchets are smaller (under 2 inches), require especially strong currents, and softer water. With care, the Marbled Hachetfish can be bred in captivity. Very soft water with a pH of 6 or below, conditioning with live foods, floating plants, and subdued lighting will trigger spawning. The parents should be removed after the eggs are laid. Fry can be raised much like other egglayers, by providing frequent feedings of fine foods and freshly hatched brine shrimp.
Hachetfish are built to be top feeders, as evidenced by their upturned mouths. In nature they feed primarily on insects and insect larvae. To keep them healthy in captivity, they should be fed a varied diet that includes flakes, freeze dried or frozen foods, and whenever possible live foods such as insects and bloodworms.
Characin features coming up ...
Headstanders
Pencilfish
Pacus and Silver Dollars
Piranhas
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Hachetfish Links |
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Carnegiella strigata (P) - Marbled Hatchet (Adam Lundie) Carnegiella strigata (P) - Marbled Hatchet (Animal World) Gasteropelecus sternicla (P) - Silver Hatchet (Animal World) Gasteropelecus sternicla (P) - Silver Hatchet (Boyd's) |
* Art and photos are the property of Shirlie Sharpe. If you use them please write for permission.
Characins - Part 2
Characins - Part 3
Characins - Part 4
