Dark Marble Hatchet Fish

Introduction

The Dark Marble Hatchet Fish is a unique and visually striking species, known for its flattened body shape and ability to glide just below the water’s surface. Its distinct dark marble-like pattern and reflective scales make it a captivating addition to any aquarium. As a peaceful and calm species, this fish does well in community setups, but it requires specific water conditions to thrive. Its remarkable ability to leap out of the water like a hatchet, hence its name, is one of the traits that make it stand out.

Scientific Name

Carnegiella strigata

Common Name

Dark Marble Hatchet Fish

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: 74°F-82°F (23°C-28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0-7.5
• Water Hardness: 2-15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• Filtration: Ensure a gentle filtration system to avoid excessive water movement.
• Water Changes: Weekly water changes of 25-30% are recommended to maintain optimal water quality.

Feeding

The Dark Marble Hatchet Fish is an omnivore, enjoying a varied diet that can be easily catered to in a community tank:

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or small pellets .
• Live/Frozen Foods: Daphnia, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae.
• Vegetable Matter: Occasional finely chopped spinach or algae wafers.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts to avoid uneaten food accumulation.

Tank Mates

Dark Marble Hatchet Fish are peaceful and work well in community tanks, though they are best kept with species that won’t harass them:

• Ideal Tank Mates:
  • Small peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras catfish.
  • Other hatchet fish species.
  • Shrimp and snails (provided the tank is large enough).
• Avoid:
  • Larger or aggressive species like cichlids or barbs that may stress or prey on them.

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• Substrate: Fine gravel or Sand is ideal, as it allows for easy swimming and does not stress the fish.
• Decorations: Include floating plants like duckweed, which help mimic their natural habitat. Driftwood, smooth rocks, and dense vegetation provide hiding spots and a sense of security.
• Water Flow: The Dark Marble Hatchet Fish prefers calm waters, so avoid strong currents.

Suitable Plants

Incorporate plants that offer shade and shelter while also creating a natural environment:

• Floating plants like water lettuce or duckweed
• Hornwort
• Anubias
• Java Fern
• Amazon Swords

Sexing

• Males: Smaller, more slender, and have slightly longer fins.
• Females: Larger and rounder, with a broader body and shorter fins.

Breeding

Breeding Dark Marble Hatchet Fish in captivity is difficult, and they are not commonly bred in aquariums:

• Spawning Behavior: They lay their eggs on the surface of the water, and the fertilized eggs float on the surface or fall to the bottom of the tank.
• Fry Care: The young are very delicate, requiring calm waters and small foods like infusoria or finely crushed flakes.
• Sexual Maturity: It is believed that breeding is more successful in groups with a ratio of 2-3 females for every male.

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Size: 2.5-3 inches (6-8 cm)
• Lifespan: Typically 3-5 years when given proper care.

General Information

The Dark Marble Hatchet Fish is a remarkable species that adds a touch of elegance to an aquarium. Their ability to jump out of the water can make them a challenge in open-top tanks, so it’s crucial to have a lid or a covered tank to prevent escape. Despite being relatively hardy, they are sensitive to poor water quality, and regular water changes are essential for their well-being.

A Fun Fact

The name “hatchet fish” comes from their distinct body shape, which is flattened and triangular, resembling the blade of a hatchet. Their unique ability to leap out of the water and glide across the surface is a fascinating characteristic that makes them one of the more interesting fish to observe in a tank.