The Platinum Hatchetfish is a distinctive, deep-chested surface dweller known for its extraordinary jumping ability. They are obligate top-level swimmers that require a strictly sealed, tight-fitting lid to prevent escape. Floating plants are highly recommended to help them feel secure and minimize skittishness. They must be kept in schools to thrive.
Platinum Hatchet At a Glance
Platinum Hatchet Tank Requirements
Will Platinum Hatchet fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Platinum Hatchet needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Platinum Hatchet against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Platinum Hatchet Water Parameters
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Platinum Hatchet Temperament & Compatibility
Platinum Hatchet Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the aquarium trade. Must be kept in a school of 6 or more in an aquarium with plenty of open surface area and a completely secure lid.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Platinum Hatchet Care Guide Summary
The Platinum Hatchet, scientifically known as Thoracocharax stellatus, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Platinum Hatchet requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Platinum Hatchet is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Platinum Hatchet is typically available in one standard form.
Platinum Hatchet Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Platinum Hatchet, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline. Useful additions include floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Platinum Hatchet Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Platinum Hatchet is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Platinum Hatchet Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Platinum Hatchet.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions About Platinum Hatchet
How big does Platinum Hatchet get?
Platinum Hatchet (Thoracocharax stellatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Platinum Hatchet need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Platinum Hatchet. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Platinum Hatchet need?
Platinum Hatchet thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Platinum Hatchet peaceful or aggressive?
Platinum Hatchet is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Platinum Hatchet should be kept together?
Platinum Hatchet is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Platinum Hatchet have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Platinum Hatchet benefits from plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Platinum Hatchet need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Platinum Hatchet is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Platinum Hatchet
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Platinum Hatchet based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Alligator Pleco
Pterygoplichthys scrophus
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Ideal Tank MatesHorned Nerite Snail
Clithon corona
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Platinum Hatchet
These plants pair well with Platinum Hatchet based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Platinum Hatchet
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
A uniquely shaped, peaceful surface-dwelling characin famous for its deep, keeled belly and incredible jumping ability. In the wild, they can leap from the water and 'fly' short distances using their powerful pectoral fins to catch insects or escape predators. A tight-fitting lid with absolutely no gaps is mandatory. They require floating plants to feel secure and must be kept in schools.
Silver Hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
A uniquely shaped characin with a deep, keeled belly adapted for surface dwelling. Known as 'flying fish', they possess powerful pectoral fins used to leap from the water to catch insects or escape predators. A tight-fitting lid with absolutely no gaps is mandatory. They are peaceful schooling fish that require open surface swimming space and floating plants to feel secure.
Finger Fish
Monodactylus argenteus
The Silver Mono, or Finger Fish, is a stunning, fast-moving schooling fish known for its shiny, diamond-shaped body. They are euryhaline; juveniles inhabit freshwater or brackish estuaries, but adults require high-end brackish or full marine setups to thrive. They are active, voracious eaters that must be kept in groups to curb fin-nipping and internal aggression.
Bala Shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Despite its name, the Bala Shark is a peaceful, schooling cyprinid. They are extremely active, fast swimmers that grow very large and startle easily. They are notorious for injuring themselves by crashing into the aquarium glass if kept in small tanks or easily spooked. They must be kept in groups and eventually require massive, custom-sized aquariums.
Gold Spot Pleco (L001 / L022)
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
A robust, highly attractive sailfin pleco featuring a dark body adorned with striking gold or yellowish spots. Like other Pterygoplichthys species, it grows very large and produces a massive amount of waste. While peaceful toward mid-and-top dwelling fish, it can be territorial with other large bottom dwellers. It requires driftwood in its diet for proper digestion.
Olive Nerite Snail
Neritina reclivata
The Olive Nerite Snail is highly prized for its exceptional algae-eating abilities and completely peaceful nature. They have a rounded, smooth, olive-green shell. Unlike many freshwater snails, they will not overpopulate an aquarium because their eggs require brackish or saltwater to hatch and develop. They are notorious escape artists and will climb out of the water, so a tight-fitting lid is mandatory.