Common Hatchetfish

Gasteropelecus sternicla

Common Hatchetfish is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Common Hatchetfish?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Top swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 5–7.5
GH: 1–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 5–7.5, GH 1–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Common 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

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Guyana, Suriname, Peru.

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 Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°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) Barred Pencilfish Nannostomus espei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Batman Betta Betta persephone Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Common Hatchetfish get?

Common Hatchetfish reaches ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Common Hatchetfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Common Hatchetfish peaceful?

Yes. Common 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 Common Hatchetfish?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.

Should Common Hatchetfish be kept alone or in a group?

Common Hatchetfish: Keep in a school of at least 6.