Giant Silver Hatchet Fish

🔥 Giant Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla)
Add a unique surface-dwelling feature fish to your aquarium with the striking Giant Silver Hatchetfish. Gasteropelecus sternicla Known for their distinctive “flying” ability and shimmering silver body, these fish stay near the water’s surface and dart with incredible speed when startled. Peaceful, unusual, and highly active at the top level of the tank, they make an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add movement and interest to the upper water column.

🌿 Why Choose Giant Silver Hatchetfish?
🎨 Shimmering silver body with reflective, metallic sheen
🪽 Unique surface “gliding” behaviour and jumping ability
🐠 Peaceful schooling fish ideal for community aquariums
🌿 Occupies the top layer of the aquarium, adding vertical interest
⭐ Highly active and engaging surface swimmers

In a well-maintained aquarium, Giant Silver Hatchetfish hover just beneath the surface, occasionally darting or gliding short distances, creating a dynamic and eye-catching top-level display.

📏 Care Requirements
🧬 Scientific Name: Gasteropelecus sternicla
📛 Common Name: Giant Silver Hatchetfish
🏠 Tank Size: 80L+ recommended
📏 Adult Size: ~6–8 cm
🌡️ Temperature: 24–28°C
⚗️ pH Range: 6.0–7.5
🧘 Temperament: Peaceful (can be skittish)
🍽️ Diet: Flakes, micro pellets, frozen and live foods
👥 Group Size: 6–8+ recommended

Giant Silver Hatchetfish thrive in calm, well-covered aquariums with minimal surface agitation. A tight-fitting lid is essential due to their jumping nature.

🐠 Compatibility
Best suited to peaceful community aquariums with mid-to-lower level fish such as tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fin-nippers that may stress them.

⚠️ Important Notes
Giant Silver Hatchetfish are excellent jumpers and require a secure lid at all times. They prefer dim lighting, floating plants, and calm tank conditions to feel secure and display natural behaviour.

A great choice for UK aquarists wanting a unique surface-dwelling species that adds movement, shimmer, and personality to the top layer of the aquarium.