Silver Hatchet

Silver Hatchets, also known as the Common Hatchetfish, are among the more uniquely shaped species of fish. Hatchetfish have a slender body with a deep belly and pectoral fins that are set high on the body.

Hatchetfish have upturned mouths characteristic of true surface dwellers. Gasteropelecus sternicla prefers a planted aquarium with a few floating plants. A schooling fish, the Silver Hatchet is best kept in a group of six or more.

A hood on the aquarium is necessary, as this fish likes to jump. Excellent water quality must be maintained to keep this fish at its best. Unfortunately, the Silver Hatchets breeding habits have not been documented.

It is thought that this fish may breed in soft water and a low pH. A good diet of fresh mosquito larvae and fruit flies may trigger spawning and the depositing of eggs on floating plants.

A carnivore, the Silver Hatchet will eat floating foods such as freeze dried bloodworms and tubifex, high quality flake food, mosquito larvae, small flies, and some other meaty live or frozen foods.