Hatchetfish

by Kate Barrington

Published: April 8th, 2016

About Hatchetfish

Aquarium Size

Small, Medium

Difficulty Of Care

Weekly

Group

Freshwater

Size

Small

Suitable Tank Mates

Other Hatchetfish; Corydoras, Tetras, Catfish, Dwarf Cichlids, Gouramis

Swimming Region

Upper

Temperament

Community

Fish Water Condition

Warm, Soft, Slightly Acidic Water

Hatchetfish General Description

Freshwater hatchetfish are a type of ray-finned fishes belonging to the family Gasteropelecidae. These fish are divided into three genera with a total of nine different species with the Common Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) being the most common. In general, they are peaceful schooling fish that can be kept in community tanks with other community species. Though these fish can get along with other peaceful species, males of the same species sometimes have trouble getting along.

Freshwater hatchetfish are a type of ray-finned fishes belonging to the family Gasteropelecidae.

Origins

All freshwater hatchetfish come from South America and Panama where they tend to inhabit the upper level of the water column, swimming just below the surface.

Color

Hatchetfish are named for the unique, hatchet-like shape of their bodies – these fish also have large pectoral fins which enable them to jump out of the water to catch insects. Different species exhibit different colorations with colors ranging from black, gray, silver and brown to brighter colors like red, orange, and green. Several species have a striped or marbled pattern.

Maintenance and Care

Hatchetfish are a moderately hardy group of fishes that is best for experienced or intermediate-level aquarium hobbyists. Though these fish can adapt to a range of water conditions, they are highly susceptible to Ich and they have a tendency to jump so they need a covered tank. These fish come from a tropical or semi-tropical environment so they require a tank temperature in the 72°F to 82°F range with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and a water hardness in the 2 to 15 dGH range. In terms of habitat, these fish prefer clean water with some floating plants but plenty of room to swim at the surface of the water.

This is a moderately hardy group of fishes that is best for experienced or intermediate-level aquarium hobbyists.

Feeding

Freshwater hatchetfish are carnivores by nature, feeding on insects and crustaceans in their natural habitat. These fish are particularly well adapted to eating small insects from the surface of the water since their mouths are located on the top of their bodies. In the home aquarium, they should be fed a diet of carnivore flakes, pellets or granules as well as live and frozen foods.

Also read: Fast-Growing Aquarium Plants for Planted Tanks

Breeding Info

There are very few physical differences between male and female, so sexing these fish is difficult. They are egg layers but some species like the Common Hatchetfish are very difficult to breed in the home aquarium. The Marbled Hatchetfish, on the other hand, breeds quite readily in the home aquarium.

Aquarium Varieties

There are nine species of freshwater hatchetfish from three genera: Carnegiella, Gasteropelecus, and Thoracocharax.

Blackwing Hatchetfishes (Carnegiella marthae)
Pygmy Hatchetfishes (Carnegiella myersi)
Dwarf Hatchetfishes (Carnegiella schereri)
Marbled Hatchetfishes (Carnegiella strigata)
Silver Hatchetfishes (Gasteropelecus levis)
Spotted Hatchetfishes (Gasteropelecus maculatus)
River Hatchetfishes (Gasteropelecus sternicla)
Giant Hatchetfishes (Thoracocharax securis)
Spotfin Hatchetfishes (Thoracocharax stellatus)

Photo credit: chonlasub woravichan/Shutterstock; Besjunior/Shutterstock

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Expert Shares Tips on How to Exercise Your Dog on Hot Summer Days

Summer is here, but hot weather shouldn’t be an excuse not to exercise your pooch. Walking and exercising your dog daily is great for their mental and physical health and helps create an everlasting bond between you and your canine companion.But, as temperatures rise, dog owners need to understand the risks of walking their dogs in hot weather and look for alternative ways to exercise their pets safely in the heat. A clinical professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Lori Teller, shared some tips on recognizing signs that it may be too hot to take your pooch for a walk and alternative ways to exercise them more safely during summer.When it comes to dogs and summer, the most important thing is to pay attention to your dog and recognize when it’s too hot to take them out for a walk.“When it’s hot outside, many dogs can be adversely impacted and suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” said Teller. “Dogs cannot sweat, and panting is not an effective mechanism for cooling off, so dogs don’t have efficient ways of handling excessive heat.”Although there isn’t a specific temperature that is too hot for all dogs, a good rule of thumb is to avoid walking and exercising dogs during the hottest times of the day. Walk and exercise your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature has dropped. Consider buying doggy booties to protect your pup’s paws from the scorching pavement.Teller advises, that in addition to being mindful of the time of the day they walk their dogs, owners should also be very careful with young puppies, senior dogs, as well as those with chronic medical conditions. Obese dogs, those suffering from heart and respiratory conditions, as well as flat-faced breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, are more likely to suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion.Another thing to keep in mind is how adapted your dog is to the climate. For example, if your pooch is used to cooler climates and has recently moved to a warmer area, they are less likely to adjust and tolerate warmer temperatures. While hot summer months may prove difficult to keep a dog active, it’s important to stick with a regular exercise routine all year round to keep your dog healthy.Exercise is a great way for more active and working breeds, which can easily become restless, bored, and destructive, to burn off excess energy. It can also ease stress in anxious dogs. Regular exercise also promotes joint and heart health and helps with weight management.According to Teller, there are many alternatives to walking your dog during hot summer days. These activities can get you outside of the house without jeopardizing your dog’s health.“Dog owners can explore indoor areas such as places to participate in flyball, agility, or even doggy social events,” said Teller. “Swimming and dock diving is also a great activity for dogs that enjoy water.” If it seems too hot to take your dog outside, there are many ways you can exercise your pup at home. Use a long hallway to play a game of fetch with your pooch or create a dog-safe obstacle course. Some dogs will also like chasing a laser point, like those used to play with cats. Finding safe ways to keep your pup exercised during summer may seem challenging, but it’s worth it. Regular exercise will keep your furry friend physically and mentally stimulated without putting them at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If at any point your dog shows signs of overheating, such as anxiety, restlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive panting, drooling, unsteadiness while walking, and collapse, call your vet right away.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Kevin the Gentle Giant Crowned World’s Tallest Dog

Some dogs are simply born to be famous! Some do it with their accomplishments, others with their latest tricks, but Kevin the Great Dane did it with nothing else but his size. He is officially recognized as the world’s tallest living dog, and he is described as a true gentle giant.Named after the main character from the movie “Home Alone”, Kevin officially claimed the world record title after he was measured at 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) from his feet to his withers. For comparison, that is the average height of a three-year-old child. An average Great Dane, on the other hand, is around 2ft 6in (0.76 meters) to the withers. The record was previously held by another Great Dane, Zeus, who tragically died at the age of three this past year, leaving the title to Kevin. Living in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA, Kevin is in the loving care of his owners – Tracy and Roger Wolfe, and their children, Alexander (12) and Ava (10). He is not the only pet in the family: he is accompanied by three other doggos, four cats, and a multitude of chickens, horses, and goats. And, besides being so tall and majestic, Kevin is just an ordinary pooch. He loves to snooze on the couch and won’t hesitate to protest if his favorite spot is taken. Still, his owners describe him as a real gentle giant. According to Tracy Wolfe, he is a true fan of snuggles and is very afraid of the vacuum cleaner. He was similarly spooked by the officials who came to measure him for his record. The measuring tape really gave him the heebie-jeebies. “Kevin is the epitome of a gentle giant,” Tracy said. “In fact, he is scared of most things. He is terrified of the vacuum. He won't let it come within 6 feet of him! He will jump and run to get away from it.”Kevin’s owner Tracy, herself employed at a vet clinic, says that he is just a big baby, and often acts as if he has no idea how big he is. “When Kevin, or any of my dogs, come to my clinic, I put a baby gate up in the door of my office. That way I can keep my door open, but keep the dogs in,” she added. “Kevin is hilarious. He will be in there and stay whenever I am in there. However, if I leave, he just steps right over the baby gate like it's nothing! I don’t think he’s aware he is as big as he is. He’s continuously trying to squeeze into small beds and sit on top of us, and do everything that the smaller dogs do.”Of course, as all dogs do, Kevin also has his naughty side. He is adept at snatching food off of counters, aided by his great height. “Kevin can be stubborn,” Tracy said. “He can be naughty. It’s usually food-related. Otherwise, he’s usually a pretty good kid.”

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