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.
Silver Hatchetfish At a Glance
Silver Hatchetfish Tank Requirements
Will Silver Hatchetfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Silver Hatchetfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Silver Hatchetfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Silver Hatchetfish Water Parameters
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Silver Hatchetfish Temperament & Compatibility
Silver Hatchetfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild-type Silver Hatchetfish. Must be kept in a group of 6 or more. Because they reside entirely at the surface, standard tank volume calculations are secondary to horizontal surface area.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Silver Hatchetfish Care Guide Summary
The Silver Hatchetfish, scientifically known as Gasteropelecus sternicla, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 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 Silver Hatchetfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Silver Hatchetfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Silver Hatchetfish is typically available in one standard form.
Silver Hatchetfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Silver Hatchetfish, 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.
Silver Hatchetfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Silver Hatchetfish 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.
Silver Hatchetfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Silver Hatchetfish.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Hatchetfish
How big does Silver Hatchetfish get?
Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Silver Hatchetfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Silver Hatchetfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Silver Hatchetfish need?
Silver Hatchetfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Silver Hatchetfish peaceful or aggressive?
Silver Hatchetfish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Silver Hatchetfish should be kept together?
Silver Hatchetfish 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 Silver Hatchetfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Silver Hatchetfish benefits from plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Silver Hatchetfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Silver Hatchetfish 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 Silver Hatchetfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Silver Hatchetfish 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 Silver Hatchetfish
These plants pair well with Silver Hatchetfish 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 Silver Hatchetfish
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.
Platinum Hatchet
Thoracocharax stellatus
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.
Panda Tetra
Aphyocharax paraguayensis
A small, highly active, and strikingly marked characin native to the Paraguay River basin. Known as the Panda or Dawn Tetra, it features a metallic silver body with distinctive black and white markings on its tail and anal fins. While beautiful and hardy, they are notorious fin-nippers. They must be kept in larger schools to disperse aggression and should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned fish (like Bettas or Angelfish).
Penguin Tetra
Thayeria boehlkei
An active schooling characin instantly recognizable by its bold black horizontal stripe that extends down into the lower half of the tail fin, and its unique, oblique (head-up) swimming posture. They are hardy and do well in community tanks, but must be kept in groups to prevent stress and fin-nipping behavior towards tank mates.
Tinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
A large, active, and schooling riverine species that quickly outgrows standard aquariums. Known for their metallic silver scales and red fins. They are notoriously skittish, robust eaters, and will consume almost any live plant or small fish that fits in their mouths. A massive tank with strong filtration is strictly required.
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.