Spotted Hatchetfish

Gasteropelecus maculatus

Spotted Hatchetfish is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a school of 8+.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm)
Aquarium size
40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Top swimmer
Temperature
72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH
6–7.5
GH
4–12 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 4–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Spotted Hatchetfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 8+.

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 8+.

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 8+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela.

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 ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°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) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm) 82–90°F (28–32°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) Blue Diamond Tetra Alestopetersius smykalai Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Spotted Hatchetfish get?

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

What aquarium size does Spotted Hatchetfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.

Is Spotted Hatchetfish peaceful?

Yes. Spotted 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 Spotted Hatchetfish?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.

Should Spotted Hatchetfish be kept alone or in a group?

Spotted Hatchetfish: Keep in a school of 8+.

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