Black-winged Hatchetfish
Carnegiella marthae
Black-winged Hatchetfish is a peaceful top swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Black-winged Hatchetfish?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 1.1" (≤ 2.9 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
- 1–10 dGH
- KH
- 2–4 dKH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 7 years
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 1–10 dGH, KH 2–4 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
Black-winged Hatchetfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough surface 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.
Supply small floating live or frozen invertebrate foods and suitable fine floating substitutes; check shy individuals receive enough.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 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: Colombia, Venezuela.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Black-winged Hatchetfish get?
Black-winged Hatchetfish reaches ≤ 1.1" (≤ 2.9 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.
What temperature is suitable for Black-winged Hatchetfish?
Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.