Black-winged Hatchetfish

Carnegiella marthae

Black-winged Hatchetfish is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a school of 5+.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a school of 5+Intermediate – Advanced

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Top swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 4–7
GH: 2–12 dGH
KH: 2–4 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 7 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 7 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 4–7, GH 2–12 dGH, KH 2–4 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Black-winged Hatchetfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 5+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough surface space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 5+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Black-winged Hatchetfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 5+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Colombia, Venezuela.

Similar fish profiles

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

African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Black-winged Hatchetfish get?

Black-winged Hatchetfish reaches ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Black-winged Hatchetfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Black-winged Hatchetfish peaceful?

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