Silver Hatchet Fish

🐟 Silver Hatchetfish (Silver Hatchetfish)

Add unique surface activity and a striking body shape to your aquarium with the fascinating Silver Hatchetfish. Known for its distinctive “hatchet-shaped” body and shimmering silver coloration, this species is specially adapted for life at the water’s surface, where it glides gracefully and darts with surprising speed.

Peaceful, active, and highly unusual, Silver Hatchetfish are perfect for aquarists looking to utilise the upper levels of their aquarium with something truly different.

🌿 Why Choose Silver Hatchetfish?

✨ Bright reflective silver body
🪶 Unique hatchet-shaped profile
🐟 Surface-dwelling schooling fish
🌿 Ideal for planted and natural aquariums
⭐ Adds activity to the top level of the tank

When kept in a group, Silver Hatchetfish create a shimmering, fast-moving display just below the water surface, often reacting quickly to movement and light.

📏 Care Requirements

🧬 Scientific Name: Gasteropelecus sternicla
📛 Common Name: Silver Hatchetfish
🏠 Tank Size: 80L+ recommended
📏 Adult Size: ~5–6 cm
🌡️ Temperature: 24–28°C
⚗️ pH Range: 5.5–7.5
🧘 Temperament: Peaceful
🍽️ Diet: Floating foods, flakes, small insects, frozen and live foods
👥 Group Size: 6–10+ strongly recommended

Silver Hatchetfish thrive in calm aquariums with gentle flow, open surface space, and some floating plants to provide cover.

🐠 Compatibility

Excellent for peaceful community aquariums. Ideal tank mates include tetras, Corydoras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive species. Avoid aggressive or overly active fish.

⚠️ Important Notes

Silver Hatchetfish are excellent jumpers and require a tightly fitted lid at all times. They are surface feeders, so floating foods are essential to ensure proper nutrition. Keeping them in groups helps reduce stress and encourages natural behaviour.

The Silver Hatchetfish is a fantastic choice for UK aquarists wanting a peaceful, unique, and surface-focused fish that adds both shape and movement to community aquariums.