Silver Hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Family: Gasteropelecidae • Origin: Various
Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a peaceful other reaching 2.5 inches. Keep in groups of 6+. Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.
Min Tank
10 gal
Max Size
2.5"
Temperature
72-82°F
pH
6-7
Lifespan
4 years
School Size
6+
Swim Level
top
Hardness
5-15 dGH
peacefulintermediateomnivoreschooling
Care Tips
- • Max size: 2.5 inches
- • Temperature: 72-82°F
- • pH: 6-7
- • Schooling — keep 6+ together
- • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Gasteropelecidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Gasteropelecidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 15 gallons
- Swimming Level
- top
- Minimum School Size
- 6+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–82°F
- pH Range
- 6–7
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical peaceful Gasteropelecidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 4 years
Ideal For
10 gallon
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
70-81°FpH 6-710+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.5"
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
73-81°FpH 4.5-6.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2"
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
73-84°FpH 5.5-75+ gal
peacefulschooling 8+0.8"
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
75-84°FpH 5.5-720+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2.5"
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
73-81°FpH 5.5-7.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.6"
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressiveschooling 6+1.75"
Similar Species
Indian Glassfish
Parambassis ranga
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Peacock Gudgeon
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72-79°FpH 6.5-7.510+ gal
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Wrestling Halfbeak
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Freshwater Flounder
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peaceful4"