Spotfin Hatchetfish

Thoracocharax stellatus

Spotfin Hatchetfish is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a school of 5+.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a school of 5+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size
64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Top swimmer
Temperature
68–81°F (20–27°C)
pH
5–7.5
GH
3–15 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 7 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 7 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–27 °C, pH 5–7.5, GH 3–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Spotfin 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, Spotfin Hatchetfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 64 US gal (243 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 5+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina.

Similar fish profiles

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

Archer Halfbeak Nomorhamphus sagittarius Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black-winged Hatchetfish Carnegiella marthae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Moon Tetra Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–77°F (22–25°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Assam Danio Devario assamensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 59–70°F (15–21°C)

FAQ

How large does Spotfin Hatchetfish get?

Spotfin Hatchetfish reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Spotfin Hatchetfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Spotfin Hatchetfish peaceful?

Yes. Spotfin 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 Spotfin Hatchetfish?

Keep it between 20 to 27 °C.

Should Spotfin Hatchetfish be kept alone or in a group?

Spotfin Hatchetfish: Keep in a school of 5+.

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