CheckMyFishTankSilver Hatchetfish care
Gasteropelecus sternicla · Freshwater · Intermediate level care
A top level schooling fish that likes calm floating plant cover.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Floating pellets, flies, flakes.
Jumps. Keep a tight lid on the tank.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Silver Hatchetfish in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Silver Hatchetfish.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Silver Hatchetfish.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Silver Hatchetfish.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Silver Hatchetfish.
- Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Silver Hatchetfish.
- Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Silver Hatchetfish.
- Blue Acara: Blue Acara grows big enough to eat Silver Hatchetfish.
- Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Silver Hatchetfish.
Questions
What size tank does a Silver Hatchetfish need?
At least 30 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 2.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Silver Hatchetfish like?
72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Silver Hatchetfish should I keep together?
Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Silver Hatchetfish eat?
Floating pellets, flies, flakes. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.