Black-winged Hatchetfish

Carnegiella marthae

Black-winged Hatchetfish is a peaceful top swimmer.

PeacefulTop swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

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.

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