River hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla)

Scientific name: Gasteropelecus sternicla Linnaeus, 1758

River hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla)

The River hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a freshwater fish of the family Gasteropelecidae that grows to about 6.5 cm (2.6 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 23–27°C (73–81°F) and a pH of 6.0–7.0. Native range: South America, In the Peruvian and middle Amazon, the Guianas and Venezuela .

River hatchetfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Minimum tank
75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature
23–27°C (73–81°F)
pH
6.0–7.0
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Gregarious, can sometimes be aggressive or calm. Frequents slow-flowing waters of creeks and swamps. Lives in groups at the surface. It is capable of capturing small aerial insects. The females are bigger than the males. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. Has not been bred in captivity. Aquarium specimens reach 6.5 cm TL. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; may jump out of the aquarium; minimum aquarium size 80 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Family
Gasteropelecidae (Freshwater hatchetfishes)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
3.8
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 7.0; dH range: ? - 15 pelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Peruvian Amazon, middle Amazon, the Guianas and Venezuela. Recorded from the Paraguay basin.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial

More tetras & characins

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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