Spotted hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus maculatus)

Scientific name: Gasteropelecus maculatus Steindachner, 1879

The Spotted hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus maculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Gasteropelecidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F). Native range: Central and South America, eastern Panama through western Colombia.

Spotted hatchetfish care at a glance

Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

Biology

Feeds on small crustaceans, larvae and mosquitoes. Aquarium specimens reach 9.0 cm TL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Gasteropelecus maculatus
Family: Gasteropelecidae (Freshwater hatchetfishes)
Order: Characiformes (Characins)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 6.4
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 7.0; dH range: ? - 15 pelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Central and South America: eastern Panama through western Colombia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial