Silver Hatchetfish – Gasteropelecus levis
The Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus levis) is a peaceful and unique top-dwelling freshwater fish known for its distinctive hatchet-shaped body and shimmering silver coloration. Native to slow-moving waters of South America, this elegant schooling fish adds graceful movement and reflective beauty to the upper level of planted and peaceful community aquariums.
Silver Hatchetfish spend most of their time just below the water’s surface, where they naturally search for small insects and floating foods. They do best in calm aquariums with gentle flow, subdued lighting, floating plants, and a tight-fitting lid.
Key Features
- Unique hatchet-shaped body
- Shimmering silver coloration with subtle fin edging
- Peaceful top-dwelling schooling fish
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Great for planted community aquariums
Care Information
- Scientific Name: Gasteropelecus levis
- Common Name: Silver Hatchetfish
- Origin: South America
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and schooling
- Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended
- Temperature: 74–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.2
- KH: 2–10 dKH
- Diet: Carnivore/omnivore; accepts fine flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, and live foods
- Swimming Level: Top-dwelling surface fish
Tank Setup
Silver Hatchetfish thrive in calm, well-maintained aquariums with gentle water movement 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. Silver Hatchetfish are excellent jumpers and may leap from the aquarium if startled or kept in an uncovered tank.
Diet & Feeding
Silver Hatchetfish naturally feed near the surface, so offer small floating or slow-sinking foods. Fine flakes, micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and small live foods are all good options. Make sure food remains available near the surface so they can feed comfortably.
Best Tankmates
Silver Hatchetfish are peaceful and do best with calm community fish. Good tankmates may include tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf gouramis, and other non-aggressive community species.
Avoid aggressive fish, fin-nippers, and overly active surface-dwelling fish that may outcompete them for food or cause stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Silver Hatchetfish jumpers?
Yes. Silver Hatchetfish are known jumpers, so a secure, tight-fitting aquarium lid is strongly recommended.
How many Silver 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.
Are Silver Hatchetfish good community fish?
Yes. They are peaceful and can do well in community aquariums with calm tankmates that share similar water requirements.
Do Silver Hatchetfish need floating plants?
Floating plants are not required, but they are highly recommended. They provide cover, reduce stress, and help create the calm surface environment hatchetfish prefer.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Silver 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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