{"product_id":"silver-hatchet-fish","title":"Silver Hatchet Fish","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Silver Hatchet Fish\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver Hatchet Fish are distinctive freshwater schooling fish named for their \u003cstrong\u003edeep, hatchet-shaped body and bright silver colouration\u003c\/strong\u003e. They are surface-dwelling fish that spend most of their time just beneath the waterline, making them an excellent way to utilise the upper level of a community aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir unusual body shape and reflective silver scales make them particularly attractive under aquarium lighting. They are peaceful fish and are best kept in groups, where they feel more secure and display more natural schooling behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver Hatchet Fish appreciate \u003cstrong\u003efloating plants and subdued surface areas\u003c\/strong\u003e, which provide cover and help recreate their natural environment. They are capable jumpers, so a tightly fitting aquarium lid is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are best suited to peaceful community aquariums with similarly sized fish. Avoid large or aggressive tank mates that may harass or prey on them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGasteropelecus sternicla\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silver Hatchet Fish \/ Silver Hatchetfish\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gasteropelecidae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater Schooling Fish\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 4–5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Group:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6+\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 23–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to Moderately Hard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore \/ Insectivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Surface\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community aquariums, planted tanks, blackwater setups and peaceful tropical aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many Silver Hatchet Fish should I keep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep them in a group of \u003cstrong\u003eat least 6\u003c\/strong\u003e, although larger schools are preferable and produce more natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Silver Hatchet Fish jump?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hatchetfish are exceptional jumpers, particularly when startled. A secure, tightly fitting lid is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Silver Hatchet Fish eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey naturally feed heavily near the surface and appreciate floating foods, small flakes, micro pellets and appropriately sized frozen or live foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Silver Hatchet Fish live with other fish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are peaceful and work well with other similarly sized, non-aggressive community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo they need floating plants?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey don't strictly require them, but floating plants provide valuable cover and help the fish feel secure near the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping them without a secure lid\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTheir ability to jump is one of their defining characteristics. Always use a tight-fitting lid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping too few fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are schooling fish and become more confident in larger groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping them with aggressive fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLarge or aggressive tank mates can stress or prey on these relatively delicate surface fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProviding too much surface disturbance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStrong surface agitation can make it difficult for them to comfortably occupy their preferred area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding only sinking foods\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are surface feeders, so include floating or slow-sinking foods that they can easily access.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48917529231499,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/yz7Bh-BWNSeLQ1befJCrLQcuevnla-ahUJJZ2jz8z1-ryOKw1FRcZGXnJE5aY-LJazat1bLikNfAPo0GvC__qDYffnUUc87x-Jp0ljy8-tI6G35z_aZh_VGeDWjV3c8Ehri98rSORjxr58ys4BpXBi57b6s0EZpL3m0_RTqsT9JoVVjsJS_hi04.jpg?v=1786691600","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/silver-hatchet-fish","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}