{"product_id":"blackwing-hatchetfish-carnegiella-marthae","title":"Blackwing Hatchetfish – Carnegiella marthae","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBlackwing Hatchetfish\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eCarnegiella marthae\u003c\/em\u003e) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish known for its distinctive hatchet-shaped body, silver coloration, dark markings, and wing-like pectoral fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis South American species spends nearly all of its time close to the water surface and is best kept in a peaceful, mature aquarium with floating plants, gentle water movement, and a securely fitted lid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive hatchet-shaped body\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver coloration with dark black markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery small adult size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful freshwater species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSurface-dwelling fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest kept in groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for soft-water planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires a tightly fitting aquarium lid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFish Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blackwing Hatchetfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Trade Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Wing Hatchetfish, Black Hatchet Wing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCarnegiella marthae\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gasteropelecidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Negro and upper Orinoco River drainages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1–1.4 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Surface \/ upper level\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivorous \/ insectivorous omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackwing Hatchetfish are among the smallest freshwater hatchetfish species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey generally remain around \u003cstrong\u003e1–1.4 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e in total length. FishBase reports a maximum standard length of approximately 2.9 cm, with aquarium specimens reaching around 3.5 cm total length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Group Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackwing Hatchetfish are highly social fish and should not be kept alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA group of \u003cstrong\u003eat least 6\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended, while groups of \u003cstrong\u003e8–10 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e are even better when aquarium space allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger groups generally produce more confident behavior and a more natural surface-schooling display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e15–20 gallon aquarium or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended for a group of Blackwing Hatchetfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHorizontal surface area is particularly important because these fish spend most of their time near the top of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Water Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 68–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 4.0–7.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft, approximately 1–10 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kept low through regular maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackwing Hatchetfish naturally inhabit soft, acidic blackwater environments and generally do best when maintained in relatively soft water with stable parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA planted aquarium with shaded areas and floating vegetation is ideal for this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a mature, fully cycled aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide gentle to moderate filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain good oxygenation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd floating plants for shade and security\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse driftwood or branches to create a natural appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsider dried leaves for a blackwater-style setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave some open surface area for swimming and feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a tightly fitting aquarium lid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Lid Requirement\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA securely fitted lid is essential.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHatchetfish are powerful jumpers, and even small openings around filters, plumbing, or cables may allow them to escape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck the aquarium lid carefully for gaps before adding Blackwing Hatchetfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackwing Hatchetfish naturally feed primarily near the water surface on small insects, aquatic invertebrates, and zooplankton.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable aquarium foods include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality floating flakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall floating or slow-sinking micro pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaby brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen or live daphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall cultured insects such as fruit flies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause they spend almost all of their time near the surface, food should remain near the upper portion of the aquarium long enough for them to feed comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackwing Hatchetfish are extremely peaceful and somewhat timid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are best housed with small, calm community fish that will not outcompete them for food or harass them at the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall peaceful tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall rasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall peaceful plecos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApistogramma and other peaceful dwarf cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther calm soft-water community species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid large, aggressive, or extremely active fish that may intimidate or consume these small hatchetfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlackwater Aquarium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackwing Hatchetfish are particularly well suited to natural-style blackwater aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA blackwater setup may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDriftwood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDried botanical leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloating plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDim lighting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft, acidic water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tannin-stained water and shaded environment can closely resemble their natural habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlants and Aquascaping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloating plants are especially useful because Blackwing Hatchetfish naturally gather around vegetation near the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable plants may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmazon Frogbit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalvinia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed Root Floaters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater Sprite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnubias\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava Fern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave areas of open surface water so the fish have room to swim and feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaptive reproduction of \u003cem\u003eCarnegiella marthae\u003c\/em\u003e is uncommon and is not well documented compared with many commonly bred aquarium fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining mature fish in excellent condition with soft, acidic water and a varied diet may encourage natural reproductive behavior, but this species should not be considered an easy breeding fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Care Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep in groups rather than individually.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a mature and stable aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft, acidic water is preferred.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse floating plants for security.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed foods that remain near the surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid large or aggressive tankmates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a tightly fitted lid with no escape gaps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever release aquarium fish into local waterways.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large do Blackwing Hatchetfish get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are very small fish, generally reaching only about 1–1.4 inches in total length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many Blackwing Hatchetfish should I keep?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt least six are recommended, although groups of eight to ten or more are preferred when space allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Blackwing Hatchetfish peaceful?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are very peaceful and somewhat timid, making them best suited to calm community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Blackwing Hatchetfish jump?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are capable of powerful jumps, so a tightly fitting aquarium lid is extremely important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere do they swim in the aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey spend nearly all of their time at or immediately below the water surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they need floating plants?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFloating plants are strongly recommended because they provide shade and security and closely resemble the fish's natural habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan they live with dwarf cichlids?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Peaceful dwarf cichlids such as Apistogramma can work well because they occupy different areas of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they good beginner fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are better suited to aquarists with some experience because they are small, somewhat delicate, prefer soft stable water, and require careful attention to escape-proofing the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackwing Hatchetfish are available at \u003cstrong\u003eTropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/strong\u003e in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive fish are available for \u003cstrong\u003ein-store purchase or local pickup only\u003c\/strong\u003e and are not available for shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54880300073173,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/blackwing-hatchetfish-carnegiella-marthae","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}