Marbled Hatchetfish

Carnegiella strigata

Shaped like a tiny axe, hatchetfish patrol right under the surface and can leap out of the water to escape predators.

A peaceful freshwater fish that grows to 3.5 cm, lives near the surface in groups of 5 or more and needs 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5 and an aquarium of at least 60 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

23–28 °C (73–82 °F)

pH

5.5–7.5

Adult size

3.5 cm (1.4 in)

Aquarium

60 L or bigger (16 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

5 or more

Swims

Top

Diet

Carnivore

Wild home

Amazon floodplains

Good to know

• Shy. Stressed without plants, rocks or caves to hide in.

Tank mates

Good company: Amano Shrimp, Black Skirt Tetra, Bloodfin Tetra, Bristlenose Pleco, Cardinal Tetra, Cherry Barb, Chili Rasbora, Corydoras, Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, Ember Tetra.

Eaten by: Angelfish, Asian Arowana, Axolotl, Bala Shark, Black Ghost Knifefish, Comet Goldfish, Electric Blue Acara, Firemouth Cichlid, Flowerhorn, Frontosa, Jack Dempsey, Motoro Stingray and 3 more.

Attacked by: Demasoni Cichlid, Flowerhorn, Jack Dempsey.

Eats the newborn fry of: Celestial Pearl Danio, Chili Rasbora, Crystal Red Shrimp, Ember Tetra, Ghost Shrimp, Neocaridina Shrimp, Neon Tetra, Pea Puffer.

Colours

• Classic uncommon

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.