Gasteropelecus Sternicla

Datasheet

General Description

The Gasteropelecus Sternicla, commonly known as the Common Hatchetfish or Silver Hatchetfish, is a species of freshwater hatchetfish that spends the majority of its time near or just below the water's surface. Known for its unique ability to leap from the water and glide for considerable distances, this species exhibits a distinctive body shape with a heavily-keeled structure resembling a hatchet head.

Aquarium Setup

To create a suitable environment for the Common Hatchetfish, it is recommended to cover a significant portion of the water surface with floating plants to reduce skittish behavior. While specific decor is not crucial, the fish thrives in setups with floating plants, driftwood branches, sand substrates, and leaf litter. The tank should have a tightly fitting cover to prevent escape, as these hatchetfish are capable of jumping several meters in height.

Behaviour

This species is characterized as very peaceful but can be shy and nervous in nature. They are not competitive for food and thrive best when kept with smaller fish that occupy different sections of the tank. Good tankmates include tetras, dwarf cichlids, catfish like Corydoras, and smaller Loricariids. The Common Hatchetfish shows a preference for company, so it is advisable to keep them in a group of at least half a dozen individuals to provide a sense of security.

Feeding and Diet

Commonly feeding on insects, crustaceans, and worms, the Common Hatchetfish may initially hesitate to consume dried foods but can be trained to accept them. A balanced diet should include a mix of frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, Daphnia, and gut-loaded Drosophila fruit flies. Ensuring a varied diet is essential for the overall health and well-being of these hatchetfish.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Details regarding the reproductive behavior of the Common Hatchetfish remain unknown, although it is speculated to breed similarly to the marbled hatchetfish. Sexual dimorphism is evident in this species, with females displaying a rounder body shape when filled with eggs compared to males.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Common Hatchetfish are commonly found in slow-moving forest streams, tributaries, and swamps, typically in regions abundant with surface vegetation. Their distribution spans the middle Amazon basin in Peru and Brazil, along with rivers in Venezuela, Guyana, and French Guiana. Records also indicate their presence in the Rio Paraguay basin.

Etymology

The genus name "Gasteropelecus" originates from the Greek words "gaster" meaning stomach and "pelecus" for hatchet or axe, while the species name "sternicla" is derived from the Latin term for breast, denoting the fish's extended thorax.