Giant Hatchetfish

Thoracocharax securis

Giant Hatchetfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Giant Hatchetfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.7" (≤ 6.8 cm)
Aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Giant Hatchetfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Offer floating insect-based foods where the fish can feed before quicker mid-water tankmates intercept the food.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black-winged Hatchetfish Carnegiella marthae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 1.1" (≤ 2.9 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 75–86°F (24–30°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Giant Hatchetfish get?

Giant Hatchetfish reaches ≤ 2.7" (≤ 6.8 cm).

What aquarium size does Giant Hatchetfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.

Is Giant Hatchetfish peaceful?

Yes. Giant Hatchetfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Giant Hatchetfish?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.