This site was created to get straight to the point. Below are some Q/A on keeping Hatchetfish. Send any additional information or questions to contribute@fishdeals.com

Questions Submitted by Users:

Question: What is a hatchetfish exactly?

Answer: Hatchetfish are small, oddly-shaped fish. These schooling fish live in freshwater streams in South and Central America. Many are raised in home aquariums. Some common hatchetfish include the Marbled Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata), the Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla), and the Winged Disc (Pterodiscus levis).

Anatomy: Hatchetfish have a very bowed ventral surface, giving this fish a distinctive shape. They have winglike pectoral fins which they can use to leap out of the water. Female hatchetfish are larger than males. Many hatchetfish have a tiny adipose fin located between the dorsal fin and the caudal fin (tail). Hatchetfish average about 2.5 inches (6 cm) long.

Diet: Hatchetfish are top-feeders who eat insects and their larvae.

(8/26/04 - 8:50 PM - Contributed by: )

The above recommendations are to the best of our knowledge. We imply no liablity by offering fish suggestions, implement at your own risk. Send any questions, comments or pictures to contribute@fishdeals.com If you are interested in helping out visit our contributions page.

Berra, T. M. 2001. Freshwater Fish Distribution. Academic Press. San Diego, CA
Gery, J. 1977 Characoids of the World. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 672 pp.
Hubbs, C. L. and K. F. Lagler. 1947 (and other editions). Fishes of the Great Lakes Region. Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bulletin No. 26.
Moyle, P.B. and J. J. Cech, Jr. 2000. Fishes: An Introduction To Ichthyology, 4th Edition. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
Myers, G.S. 1972 The Piranha Book: an account of the ill-famed piranha fishes of the rivers of tropical South America. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 128 pp.
Nelson, J. S. 1994. Fishes of the World, 3rd edition. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, New York.
Page, L. M. and B. M. Burr. 1991. Peterson Field Guides: Freshwater Fishes. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass.
Paxton, J. R. and W. N. Eschmeyer. 1998. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Academic Press, San Diego, CA.
Shulte, W. 1988 Piranhas in the Aquarium. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 128 pp.