What do hatchet fish look like?
The deep sea hatchetfish gets its name from the distinct hatchet-like shape of its body. Most of the smaller hatchetfish species are covered in delicate silvery scales. Some species, including the giant hatchetfish can be brown or dark green in color. Hatchetfishes have large, tubular eyes that pointing upward.
Where are hatchet fish found?
Found in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, marine hatchetfishes range in size from Polyipnus danae at 2.8 cm (1.1 in) to the c. 12 cm (4.7 in)-long giant hatchetfish (Argyropelecus gigas).
How big do hatchets get?
about 2.5 inches
The common hatchetfish or river hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a tropical fish belonging to the freshwater hatchetfish family (Gasteropelecidae). Originating in South America in the Peruvian and middle Amazon, the Guianas and Venezuela, it grows to about 2.5 inches (6.5 cm).
What do hatchet fish eat?
Food and Tankmates Common hatchetfish are devout carnivores; vegetative matter does not, to any appreciable measure, factor into their natural dietary regimen. Feed protein-rich flakes, brine shrimp, tubifex, bloodworms, or small, floating, carnivore pellets.
How many hatchet fish should be kept together?
Hatchetfish are shoaling fish, which means they like to be kept in a group of 10 or more. Any skirmishes in the group are only a form of play, and no harm ever comes of it. They are very tolerant of bottom dwellers and can be kept without danger among quiet and mild-mannered species of fish of about the same size.
How big do freshwater hatchetfish get?
The Common Hatchetfish is larger than the Silver Hatchetfish, reaching a size of about 2.5 inches (6.5 cm). In addition to being larger, they are less timid than the Silver Hatchetfish.
What zone does the hatchet fish live in?
Entering the Twilight Zone Octopus, squid, and the hatchet fish are some of the animals that can be found in this zone. Many animals in this zone have thin bodies that help them hide from predators. Other organisms in this zone are red or black in color to better blend in with the dark water.
Are hatchetfish top swimmers?
The unique Hatchetfish, named so because its triangular profile looks like a hatchet, is an exciting choice for a home aquarium. You’ll enjoy watching these little ones darting back and forth across your tank: they are excellent swimmers who skillfully maneuver their way through the water.
Do hatchet fish lay eggs?
Common Hatchetfish are egg layers, but they have not been successfully bred in captivity. Interestingly, their cousin, the Marbled Hatchetfish Carnegiella strigata, though not quite as hardy, will breed quite easily. For a description of breeding characin fish, see Breeding Freshwater Fish: Characins.
Can hatchet fish live with bettas?
On some websites, they are highly recommended as tankmates and on others, they are not recommended at all. The betta is quite relaxed and non-aggressive and all the fishes seem to get along. I would like a top-level swimming fish and the hatchetfish seems to be the best choice.
Are hatchetfish aggressive?
Blackwing Hatchetfish do well in a community tank and are also not as territorial with other hatchetfish as the Marbled Hatchetfish are. Be sure to keep them with other peaceful fish since they get stressed so easily by fish that are aggressive and highly active.
What color is a hatchetfish?
In the marbled hatchetfish, the basic coloration is brownish to golden yellow with a silver sheen; the back is dark green with black dots of varying size. The flanks are covered with a pattern of spots typically of a pink to brown color, changing to light blue.