More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 270 litres / 71.33 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 7.0cm / 2.76inches |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Hardness | 1.01dgH / 18ppm - 12.05dgH / 215ppm |
| pH | 5.0-7.5 |
General Description
Thoracocharax stellatus, commonly known as the Spotfin Hatchetfish, is a peaceful yet sometimes nervous freshwater fish. It is distinguishable by a dark spot on its dorsal fin and belongs to the family Gasteropelecidae. These fish have an interesting body shape resembling a hatchet due to their heavily-muscled pectoral girdle, and they are known for their unique threat response of jumping out of the water in extreme situations.
Aquarium Setup
To provide a suitable environment for Spotfin Hatchetfish, it is recommended to cover a significant portion of the water surface with floating plants to reduce skittish behavior. These fish prefer some water current to swim against, along with quiet areas. Decorate the tank with driftwood, sand substrate, and leaf litter. The tank should have a tightly fitting cover to prevent the fish from jumping out, as they are capable of clearing several meters in a single leap.
Behaviour
Thoracocharax stellatus is a peaceful species that does not compete well with more boisterous fish for food. They do well with tankmates that inhabit different parts of the aquarium, such as tetras, bottom-feeding cichlids like Geophagus, catfish like Corydoras, and Loricariids. These fish prefer the security of conspecifics and it is recommended to keep them in groups of at least half a dozen.
Feeding and Diet
Known for feeding primarily on insects, Spotfin Hatchetfish require a diet rich in frozen and live foods such as bloodworms and daphnia. They may take some time to adapt to dried foods but can eventually accept them. Gut-loaded Drosophila fruit flies are excellent food sources if available. These fish feed at the surface but can also feed on sinking foods.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Information on the reproduction of Thoracocharax stellatus is unrecorded. However, female hatchetfish are distinguishable by their rounder body shape when they are carrying eggs.
Habitat and Distribution
Spotfin Hatchetfish are found in both black and clear water streams, tributaries, backwaters, and floodplains with abundant surface vegetation. They have a wide distribution throughout South America, including countries like Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, occurring in major river systems like the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraná, and their tributaries.