Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – floating flake, freeze-dried or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, flying insects (loves live fruit flies)
Aquarium species profile
Silver Hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla · South America (Amazon, Orinoco, Guiana)
Minimum tank20 gal
Adult size2.5"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature73–81°F
pH range5.5–7.0
Compatible tank mates
Tetras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, Otocinclus, peaceful mid/bottom dwellers
Tank mates to avoid
Surface-feeding aggressive fish, large predators
Care notes
True surface-dweller with a deep keel-shaped body. Can actually fly short distances out of water using powerful pectoral fins — must have a tight-fitting lid. Schools at the very top of the water column. Sensitive to water quality — needs pristine conditions.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.