Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Silver Hatchetfish is an extremely popular fish due to its unique shape. Endemic to many river and tributary systems throughout South America, here Silver hatchetfish are found in slow-moving waters that have an abundance of surface vegetation. Like other hatchetfish, the Silver hatchet has a slender body with a deep belly, pectoral fins set high on its body and an upturned mouth characteristic of surface feeders. As its name suggests, the Silver hatchet has an entirely shimmering silver body. Silver hatchets do best when kept in groups of 6 or more individuals. This species can be somewhat hardy once acclimated to the proper environment. An adult Silver hatchet can reach a size of approximately 1.75″. Note: Due to importation sensitivities, we temporarily hold our Silver hatchetfish for observation before they’re for sale.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Silver hatchets are carnivores, feeding on microinvertebrates and zooplankton at the surface. A diet made up of various high quality protein based flake foods or floating pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering bug bites and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 15 to 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Silver hatchets. A tight fitting lid is highly suggested because some individuals are known to jump. Silver hatchets are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm). Given the blackwater environments in which they come from, Silver hatchets like gentle water flow, a more acidic pH and tannin-stained water. Tannins can be achieved by the use of driftwood or leaf litter, such as Indian almond leaves. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a fine substrate and dense vegetation (whether artificial or live, though live plants are preferred). Silver hatchets would also benefit from some floating plants to take shelter underneath. Silver hatchets are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their timid nature, however, may make them not suitable for community aquariums that have overly rambunctious species in which they will not thrive with. Given that hatchetfish are always out and about, they could serve as a “dither” fish for more shy fish species. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 10-18, pH 4.0-7.0.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1” to 1-1/4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.