Marbled Hatchetfish

By: cemc
 
Latin Name: Gasteropelecus strigatus
Origin: South America
Temperature: 72 to 86°F - 22 to 30°C
Ease Of Keeping: easy-medium
Aggressivness: easy-going
Lighting: dim-bright
Adult Size: 3 inches (7.5cm)
Minimum Tank Size: bigger is better
Feeding: flakes and live food
Spawning Method: egg-layers
 
Comments: Hatchetfish should not be put with large mouthed or aggressive fish. Angelfish and gouramis have been known to pick on them. Tetras, loaches, red tailed sharks and Corydoras catfish would make good tankmates.
 
Marbled Hatchetfish are egg-layers, females are fuller, and will often swell with eggs. Live foods are used to condition a breeding pair. The breeding tank water should have a ph of 6.0. You will need floating plants and peat if possible. Once the eggs fall to the bottom remove the parents. The eggs should hatch in 30 hours. Feed the fry powdered foods. After the 7th day the fry should get baby brine shrimp.

Also, hatchetfishes need a tank with a secure hood, or else they'll fly out of the tank.