SILVER HATCHETFISH 10 pack

Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) – Surface-Dwelling Acrobat with Shimmering Style

The Silver Hatchetfish is a peaceful, surface-dwelling oddball known for its wing-like pectoral fins and torpedo-shaped silver body that gleams under aquarium lighting. Native to slow-moving rivers of South America, this topwater specialist gets its name from its unique hatchet-shaped body, built for gliding through the water and even leaping out of it when startled—so tight-fitting lids are a must!

These schooling fish add an exciting dynamic to your tank's upper water column, pairing perfectly with peaceful community species in blackwater or planted aquariums.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Gasteropelecus sternicla

• Common Name: Silver Hatchetfish

• Adult Size: 1.5–2.5 inches

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy

• Tank Size: 20+ gallons (larger preferred for groups)

• Water Parameters: 74–82°F | pH 5.5–7.5 | Soft, slightly acidic water ideal

• Diet: Carnivore – eats floating flakes, micro pellets, mosquito larvae, baby brine shrimp

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

Silver Hatchetfish thrive in:

• Heavily planted aquariums with floating plants and calm water

• Blackwater or dim-lit tanks that mimic their Amazonian habitat

• Covered tanks—they’re expert jumpers!

Compatible with:

• Tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, pencilfish, and peaceful gouramis

• Avoid fin-nippers and fast/aggressive top dwellers

• Best kept in schools of 6 or more for comfort and natural behavior

Behavior:

• 🚁 Active in the top level of the tank—rare among freshwater species

• 🧠 Peaceful but alert—can startle easily

• 👨👩👦 Schooling fish—displays best color and behavior in groups

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Silver Hatchetfish is:

• ✅ Conditioned in low-stress environments and feeding on a variety of floating foods

• ✅ Health-screened and acclimated to tank life

• ✅ Shipped live with our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ A perfect addition to Amazon biotope tanks or peaceful community setups

📦 Add motion and shine to your aquarium’s surface with the graceful, aerial-like swimming of the Silver Hatchetfish—a truly unique fish you won’t want to overlook. Available now at RobsAquatics.com.