Marble Hatchetfish – Carnegiella strigata
The Marble Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) is a unique and elegant freshwater fish known for its distinctive hatchet-shaped body and shimmering marbled silver, gold, black, and white pattern. This peaceful schooling species spends most of its time near the surface, making it an excellent choice for adding movement and interest to the upper level of a community aquarium.
Marble Hatchetfish are best kept in groups and thrive in calm, planted aquariums with gentle filtration, floating plants, and a secure lid. Their peaceful nature and unusual body shape make them a favorite for aquascapes, nano-style community tanks, and South American-inspired aquarium setups.
Key Features
- Distinct marbled silver, gold, black, and white pattern
- Unique hatchet-shaped body with deep chest and flat back
- Peaceful top-dwelling schooling fish
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Great for planted community aquariums
Care Information
- Scientific Name: Carnegiella strigata
- Common Name: Marble Hatchetfish
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended
- Temperature: 75–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore; offer fine flakes, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and other small foods
- Swimming Level: Top-dwelling surface fish
Tank Setup
Marble Hatchetfish do best in peaceful aquariums with gentle water movement, stable water quality, and plenty of surface cover. Floating plants are highly recommended because they help this shy surface-dwelling fish feel secure.
A tight-fitting lid is essential. Hatchetfish are excellent jumpers and may leap from the aquarium if startled or kept in an uncovered tank.
Best Tankmates
Marble Hatchetfish are peaceful and do well with calm community fish. Good tankmates may include small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, peaceful gouramis, dwarf cichlids, and freshwater shrimp in appropriate setups.
Avoid aggressive fish, fin-nippers, or overly active surface-dwelling species that may outcompete them for food or cause stress.
Diet & Feeding
Because Marble Hatchetfish feed near the surface, offer small floating or slow-sinking foods. Fine flakes, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and small live foods are all good options. Make sure food reaches the surface area so they can feed comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Marble Hatchetfish jumpers?
Yes. Marble Hatchetfish are excellent jumpers, so a tight-fitting aquarium lid is strongly recommended.
How many Marble Hatchetfish should be kept together?
They should be kept in groups of 6 or more. A group helps reduce stress and encourages more natural schooling behavior.
Can Marble Hatchetfish live with bettas or shrimp?
They can work with calm bettas and freshwater shrimp in peaceful setups, but temperament varies by individual fish. Always monitor compatibility.
Do Marble Hatchetfish like strong water flow?
No. They prefer gentle water movement and calm surface areas, especially with floating plants for cover.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Marble Hatchetfish are a beautiful choice for aquarists looking for a peaceful, unusual top-dwelling fish for a planted freshwater community aquarium. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for freshwater fish, live plants, and aquarium supplies.
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