Marbled Hatchetfish

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment3–5 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Marbled Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) comes from the Amazon and Guyana and reaches about 3 to 4 cm. Its deep keel-shaped chest houses unusually large pectoral muscles, and the fish can beat its pectoral fins to leave the water and glide several tens of centimetres, an escape response used against predators in the wild and against sudden movement in the living room. A group of six or more needs 80 litres or more at 24-28C in soft acidic water, pH 5.5 to 7.0, with floating plants, wood and calm surface flow. Feed floating and slow-sinking foods, small flake, micro pellets and frozen or live daphnia, cyclops and wingless fruit flies, since it feeds almost exclusively at the surface and will not go down for sunken food. The one non-negotiable requirement is a tightly closed lid with no gaps, because these fish jump and will not survive the floor. Keep it with peaceful mid-water and bottom fish, and give it surface cover so it settles rather than hiding in a corner.

• How active is a Marbled Hatchetfish?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Marbled Hatchetfish need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Marbled Hatchetfish need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Marbled Hatchetfish a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Marbled Hatchetfish live?

  3–5 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Marbled Hatchetfish?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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