Marbled Hatchetfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
An attractive species that needs to be fed at the surface of the aquarium. JJPhoto.dk
Overview
The smaller of the two commonly available hatchetfishes, this is an eyecatching little surface dweller that fits nicely into more peaceful community settings. In the wild it is found in schools and it puts on a wonderful show when kept in groups of five or more.
Family: Gasteropelecidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: In the wild, this fish is found in fast-moving streams with lots of vegetation, a biotope that should be closely mimicked in the aquarium. Include floating plants, such as duckweed and water sprite, but make sure to leave plenty of open areas at the surface.
Maximum length: 3.5 cm (1 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
Feeding
Carnivore. It feeds only at or near the surface and must be fed accordingly. Offer high-protein floating prepared foods as well as a diet of small frozen or live foods, such as brine shrimp and Daphnia. Hatchetfishes will starve if not fed properly.
Aquarium Compatibility
Hatchetfishes can literally fly out of the water (see Silver Hatchetfish) and they must be housed in covered aquariums. It does not compete well with big, boisterous tankmates and will do best with peaceful community fishes that tend to stay in the lower levels of the tank.
Breeding/Propagation
Eggs are scattered to drop among plants or gravel and hatch within 36 hours. Females have larger abdomens than males.
Notes
It will do best in a long tank with plenty of swimming room and if other surface-dwelling species are absent.