Common Hatchetfish, also known as River Hatchetfish, is a tropical fish from the freshwater hatchetfish family.
It comes from South America, specifically areas like Peru, the Amazon, the Guianas, and Venezuela.
It gets its name because of its large belly that looks like a hatchet. When scared, it jumps out of the water using its big wing-like fins.
Common Hatchetfish also jumps to catch small insects in the air. It also usually gets along with others but can be aggressive or calm at times.
Its diet includes worms, crustaceans, and insects. This fish also needs different types of food like fruit flies.
Common Hatchetfish has not been bred in captivity yet.
Keep at least five of them together in an aquarium that’s at least 80 cm long since they may jump out of it.
Common Hatchetfish Interesting Facts
- Common Hatchetfish is a tropical, freshwater fish native to South America.
- They jump out of the water to catch insects and escape danger.
- Females are larger than males; their diet includes worms and crustaceans.
- Not yet bred in captivity, they thrive in slightly acidic, warm waters.
Common Hatchetfish Habitat
Common Hatchetfish is a freshwater fish found in South America, specifically in the Peruvian Amazon, middle Amazon, the Guianas, and Venezuela.
It has also been observed in the Paraguay basin. Common Hatchetfish prefers slow-flowing waters like creeks and swamps and live in groups near the surface.
This fish lives near the water’s surface (pelagic) and prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Its ideal water hardness (dH) is up to 15, but it can adapt if needed.
Common Hatchetfish thrives in warm tropical waters with temperatures between 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C).
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 7.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Common Hatchetfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.5 inches (3.9 centimeters)
Common Hatchetfish is a small aquarium fish that grows up to 1.5 inches (3.9 centimeters) in length.
Female Common Hatchetfish are larger than males.
Common Hatchetfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Gasteropelecidae |
| Genus: | Gasteropelecus |
| Scientific Name: | Gasteropelecus sternicla |
| Also Known As: | Common Hatchetfish, River Hatchetfish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |