Marble Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata)
The Marble Hatchetfish is a unique and elegant freshwater fish recognized for its distinctive hatchet-shaped body and beautiful marbled pattern of silver, brown, and black markings. As a true surface-dwelling species, it spends nearly all of its time gliding just beneath the water's surface, adding activity to an area of the aquarium that many fish rarely occupy. Peaceful and fascinating, the Marble Hatchetfish is an excellent addition to planted community aquariums.
Native to the slow-moving streams, creeks, and flooded forests of the Amazon Basin, Marble Hatchetfish inhabit calm waters shaded by overhanging vegetation. In the aquarium, they thrive in well-planted tanks with floating plants, subdued lighting, and gentle water movement. They are highly social fish and should always be kept in schools of at least six individuals. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as hatchetfish are powerful jumpers and can leap several feet when startled.
Marble Hatchetfish are omnivores that naturally feed on small insects and zooplankton at the water's surface. They readily accept floating micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other small live or frozen foods. Providing a varied diet helps maintain their health and natural coloration.
Their peaceful nature makes them ideal tank mates for tetras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, rasboras, pencilfish, small gouramis, and other gentle community fish. They pair especially well with midwater and bottom-dwelling species, creating a balanced aquarium that utilizes every level of the tank.
Scientific Name: Carnegiella strigata
Common Name: Marble Hatchetfish
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Adult Size: Up to 2 Inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons
Origin: Amazon Basin, South America
If you're looking for a graceful, peaceful, and truly unique schooling fish, the Marble Hatchetfish is an outstanding choice. Its beautiful marbled pattern, fascinating surface-dwelling behavior, and compatibility with planted community aquariums make it a favorite among freshwater hobbyists.
