The Silver Hatchet fish is an uncommon species native to South America. They are a peaceful species also known as the Spotted Silver Hatchet fish. They dwell at the top of the aquarium and have an unusual deep body, primarily silver with dark markings and spots. The Spotted Silver Hatchet fish is a keen jumper, so ensure your aquarium is well covered.

Features of Silver Hatchet Fish:

• Deep silver body with dark brown, olive & black markings and spots
• Females are much the same as males
• A shy shoaling species that prefer groups of 6 or more
  
• Grows up to 9cm in the aquarium
• Keen jumpers

Tank Mate Compatibility:

Peaceful, & a shy species that prefers to occupy the top water column of the aquarium. A suitable community fish for other peaceful small species. Avoid keeping with large aggressive species.

• Marbled Hatchet Fish
• Corydoras Catfish
• Neon Tetra
• Cardinal Tetra

Coburg Aquarium, specialize in rare & exotic species of live fish.

The Best Aquarium Size Silver Hatchet Fish:

Hatchet Fish are not an overly active species. They will do well in a smaller aquarium. We recommend 75 Litres or more, depending on the size of your shoal. In the wild, they congregate in large schools and are an impressive sight in the aquarium.

• Yiding Tanks
• Aqua One Tanks
• Fluval Aquariums
• Oceason Aquariums

After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse Aquarium Tank Selection here.

Feeding:

Hatchet fish are carnivores and do not naturally consume vegetable matter. Feed a variety of high protein flakes, granules, and floating pellets, live blackworms, frozen bloodworms, tubifex worms and brine shrimp for the healthiest of Hatchet Fish.

Check out our High Quality Fish Foods collections.

Tank Setup:

Aquarium Filtration

A good filtration system is necessary for fish to thrive. Hatchet Fish enjoy clean and stable water parameters. Slow currents suit them best and aquariums high in oxygen.

View our extensive range of aquarium filtration units. 

Temperature

Hatchet Fish prefer temperatures between  24 - 27° C. A Thermometer is recommended to monitor the water temperature.

Lighting

Hatchet Fish naturally are found in river systems with dark waters that consist heavily of wood, and plants. They prefer a dimly lit aquarium and will be more active in darker water. Replicate their natural environment with dimmable LED lighting.

Need An Aquarium Light for your tank? Browse our Fish Tank Aquarium Lighting

Substrate

Hatchet Fish are not picky about substrate, as they dwell in the top level of the water column. Consider using a darker substrate to minimize light reflection as this species prefers lower levels of lighting in the aquarium.

A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium. 

Decorations

Naturally Hatchet Fish occupy river systems filled with driftwood, leaf litter, vegetation and a heavy canopy cover. Driftwood provides much needed tanins and shelter for this shy species, while vegetation replicates their natural environment.  

View our large range of aquarium decorations here.