Hatchefish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) — 2-3cm

Overview of Hatchefish

The silver hatchetfish, scientifically known as Gasteropelecus sternicla, a distinctive top-dwelling schooling fish with a gliding body shape, ideal for peaceful planted aquariums with a secure lid.. The common hatchetfish or river hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Gasteropelecidae, the freshwater hatchetfishes. This fish occu

Native to South America; native to the Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo, Tocantins-Araguaia, Mearim, upper Paraguay, and coastal Guiana drainages, this moderate-care species belongs to the Gasteropelecidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.

Appearance and Distinguishing Features

The Hatchefish reaches an adult size of approximately 6 cm and displays coloration that varies with mood, diet, and water conditions. Peaceful by nature, this species makes an interesting addition to appropriately stocked aquariums.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.

Natural Habitat and Origin

In the wild, Gasteropelecus sternicla inhabits south america; native to the amazon, orinoco, essequibo, tocantins-araguaia, mearim, upper paraguay, and coastal guiana drainages. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.

These waters are typically soft, slightly acidic, and rich in tannins from decomposing leaf litter. Dense vegetation provides shelter and feeding opportunities, while seasonal flooding creates dynamic habitat conditions.

Aquarium Setup and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is essential for housing Hatchefish. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.

Provide appropriate hiding places, suitable substrate, and decorations that match their natural habitat preferences. Good filtration and stable water parameters are essential for all freshwater species.

Invest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.

Water Parameters and Chemistry

Maintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Hatchefish:

• Temperature: 24-28C
• pH Range: 5.5-7.5
• Hardness: See species-specific requirements
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (zero tolerance)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm ideally

This species prefers soft, acidic water. Use RO water remineralized to appropriate GH/KH, add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins, and avoid calcareous decorations that raise pH.

Invest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.

Feeding and Nutrition

As a insectivore, Hatchefish requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Offer a varied diet of small floating foods such as flakes, micro pellets, crushed pellets, frozen or live insect foods, and other small meaty items; they feed primarily at the surface and do best...

Vary the diet between quality flakes/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.

Remove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Hatchefish is classified as peaceful, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.

This peaceful species thrives in community setups with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates. Calm demeanor and gentle nature make it ideal for planted aquariums.

A tight-fitting lid is essential because hatchetfish are powerful jumpers. Keep them in a calm, well-covered aquarium with dim lighting, floating plants, and little surface agitation; they are easily...

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:

Compatible species include:

• Small peaceful tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Small peaceful dwarf cichlids
• Peaceful pencilfish

Avoid housing with:

• Large predatory fish
• Aggressive fish
• Fin-nipping species
• Very boisterous tankmates
• Fast competitive surface feeders

Always research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.

Breeding and Reproduction

Breeding is uncommon in home aquariums; if it occurs, it usually requires a mature, very quiet planted tank with soft, acidic water and live foods. Eggs are typically scattered near the surface among...

Egg-scattering species require dense planting or spawning mops to catch eggs. Remove adult fish immediately after spawning to prevent egg predation. Fry emerge in 24-48 hours and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Why Buy Hatchefish from Tropical Fish Co UK

When you choose Tropical Fish Co for your silver hatchetfish purchase, you benefit from:

• Premium Quality: Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch
• Expert Selection: We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration
• Safe Delivery: Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging
• Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee
• Ongoing Support: Expert care advice available whenever you need it

With decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Hatchefish specimens are among the finest silver hatchetfish available online today.

Order with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.