Pet Wiki

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Common Hatchetfish

Gasteropelecus sternicla

Also called Silver hatchetfish, River hatchetfish

SpeciesShort profile

From Northern and central South America: Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo and upper Paraguay basins and the Guiana coastal rivers (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guianas, Peru, Venezuela, Trinidad).123

At a glance the quick version

Length4 to 6.5 cm234
Sizesmall
Unusual hatchet shape
Can launch out of the water and glide
Very peaceful with small tankmates
34

Looks how to spot one

Deep-keeled surface characin

A small silver fish shaped like the head of a hatchet: a flat back, a strongly curved, keel-like chest and long, wing-like pectoral fins. The keel holds big flight muscles. Females are slightly larger and look rounder when full of eggs.342

Colourssilver3

Personality what they are like

A very peaceful, rather shy fish that feels safe only in a group. It keeps to the surface and does not compete well with pushy tankmates at feeding time.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Lives right at the surface and is an excellent jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is a must.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the tank covered and the water clean; floating plants give it a sense of security.3

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 120 x 30 cm footprint (about 108 litres) with calm surface water and some floating plants. Water 20-28 C (FishBase: 23-27 C), pH about 5.0-7.5, hardness 1-12 dGH.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Takes insects from the surface, plus worms and small crustaceans. Offer floating foods and plenty of small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm and Daphnia; most learn to accept dry food over time.324

Company who they like around

Keep at least six together, ideally more. Good tankmates are small, calm tetras, dwarf cichlids and catfish.3

The story where it all began

This was one of the first characins named by science: Linnaeus described it in 1758 as Clupea sternicla, placing it with the herrings. It has been kept in European aquariums since about 1912 and in American ones since the 1930s, and is considered the hardiest of the hatchetfishes in the trade.1423

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It can burst out of the water and skim or glide several metres, mainly to escape predators.4

  2. 2

    Its chest muscles make up about a quarter of its body weight.4

  3. 3

    Linnaeus first classified it as a kind of herring in 1758.1

  4. 4

    In the wild it snaps up small insects flying or landing at the water surface.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Assessed as Least Concern (October 2020)2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Common Hatchetfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Common Hatchetfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, offering only what they can eat in a couple of minutes.32 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Common Hatchetfish eat, and what should it never eat?

They eat insects from the surface, worms, and small crustaceans. Offer floating foods and plenty of small live or frozen foods like bloodworm and Daphnia; most learn to accept dry food over time. Never feed anything that sinks too quickly or is too large for their small mouths.324

How much space does a Common Hatchetfish need?

A tank with a footprint of at least 120 x 30 cm (about 108 litres) is needed. They live at the surface and are excellent jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is a must.324

What temperature, light or water does a Common Hatchetfish need?

Water temperature should be 20-28°C (FishBase says 23-27°C), pH about 5.0-7.5, and hardness 1-12 dGH. Calm surface water with some floating plants is ideal.32

How often should I clean a Common Hatchetfish's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water (never tap water). Test the water weekly too. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Common Hatchetfish live with others?

Yes, they are very peaceful and shy, so keep at least six together. Good tankmates are small, calm tetras, dwarf cichlids, and catfish.3

How long does a Common Hatchetfish live?

Lifespan varies; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for typical longevity in your setup.

Can I handle a Common Hatchetfish?

No, handling is not recommended as they are delicate and easily stressed. Always use a net if needed, and keep the tank covered to prevent jumping.34

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Gasteropelecus sternicla, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for range, taxonomic history
  2. Gasteropelecus sternicla, FishBase fishbase.seused for distribution, length, water parameters, IUCN status, biology, author
  3. Gasteropelecus sternicla, Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for other names, origin, size, tank and water parameters, diet, behaviour, appearance
  4. Gasteropelecus sternicla, Animal Diversity Web animaldiversity.orgused for size, gliding, muscles, diet, hobby history

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.