Common hatchetfish - Gasteropelecus sternicla
Scientific name: Gasteropelecus sternicla
Common name: Common hatchetfish
Family: Gastromyzontidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 7 cm (2.36 - 2.76 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.5 - 7.5
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Top levels
Food
This carnivorous fish will eat small insects and worms in the wild, but in the aquarium Common hatchetfish will accept a variety of store bought foods.
Sexing
The male Common Hatchet Fish are usually slimmer and smaller. The mature female will be plumper when she is heavy with eggs.
Breeding
These egg layers start breeding when the rainy season begins. The female finds a place to lay her eggs while the male releases his sperm near by.
Lifespan
The Common Hatchet Fish will live up to 5 years.
Origin
Gasteropelecus sternicla come from Brazil, Guyana and Suriname of South America.
Short Description
Gasteropelecus sternicla should not be kept with other skittish fish or their tendency to jump out of the water increases. Keep the lid tightly on the aquarium and keep the water line slightly low to accommodate their jumping habits. In the wild they use their jumping skills to eat insects flying close to the water.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk