Spotted Hatchetfish

Thoracocharax stellatus

Family : Characidae

FishFreshwaterHatchetfish

Silver hatchetfish with dark spots, active at the surface and easy to keep in groups.

Spotted Hatchetfish — photo 1 sur 4 — Carl H. Eigenmann · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 4

Popularity

Community fish

classic in freshwater aquarium

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

South America

Hors bassin amazonien : Paraná, Orénoque, Andes.

Description

Thoracocharax stellatus reaches 6 cm. Its body is deep and compressed, with irregular black spots on the flanks. The pectoral fins are large and adapted for gliding. It is a schooling fish. It feeds on insects and small crustaceans. In the aquarium, it is peaceful but can be shy. It prefers slightly acidic water. Its surface swimming is elegant.

Habitat

Region :

Freshwater rivers and lakes, densely vegetated areas

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature24–28 °C

pH5.5–7.5

GH2–15 °dGH

KH1–10 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

2/5

Diet

Carnivore

Min. tank

80 L

Min. group

Adult size

6 cm

Lifespan

4 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Egg scatterer

Care notes

School of 6-8 individuals. Aquarium of at least 80L. Parameters: pH 5.5-7.5, GH 2-15, KH 1-10, temperature 24-28°C. Diet: flakes, small insects, brine shrimp. Nitrates max 20 mg/L. Cover required. Floating plants and shaded areas. Compatible with peaceful fish of similar size. Avoid aggressive species.

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