Can Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and Silver Hatchetfish Live Together?

Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Silver Hatchetfish is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Silver Hatchetfish.

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and Silver Hatchetfish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones, whereas Silver Hatchetfish occupies the Top (Surface) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species.

Worth noting: Silver Hatchetfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

To house Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and Silver Hatchetfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 114 litres with a minimum length of 80 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and Silver Hatchetfish are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.