Spotted Giant Hatchet Fish 5cm

Spotted Giant Hatchet Fish

The Spotted Giant Hatchet Fish is a fascinating and unique oddball species that comes from the calm rivers and streams of South America. They are not commonly found in the aquarium hobby but are true oddball fish that will look phenomenal in a community aquarium or a South American biotope. It is a species that will for sure grab the attention of anyone, aquarist or not. Spotted Giant Hatchet Fish have a characteristic body shape which is truly a signature of this fish, the deep body which quickly narrows to the tail is not seen in any other fish.

They earn the name ‘hatchet’ fish because of this deep body that loosely resembles the head of a hatchet or axe. Similarly the metal of an axe head this species has a bright, metallic silver all through the body. This starts as a pearly white near the face and transitions into a more gunmetal silver colour. These fish also have an array of black spots that run through the body creating a great, contrasting look.

They also have a tight schooling behaviour which makes them a great fish for larger aquariums. Spotted Giant Hatchet Fish are tropical fish that thrive in temperatures ranging from 24-28 degrees and reach around 7 cm. Breeding in captivity is rare but possible with the right conditions. They are egg scatterers, and successful breeding typically requires soft, acidic water and a separate breeding tank to protect the eggs and fry from being eaten.

Tank Recommendations for your Spotted Giant Hatchet Fish
The Spotted Giant Hatchet Fish as mentioned prior can potentially reach 7cm which makes them great for medium-sized systems with the minimum being 150 litres. It’s important to know that these fish are super active constantly darting across the surface of the tank. They will also love a well-planted tank to give them security and the bright, silvery tones will really stand out against the lush green of the plants.

Substrate there is no concern as these fish spend almost all their time at the top of the water column but they are fish that need a low PH so the aquascape materials should not raise the PH in any way. A tight-fitting lid will also be required since these fish can jump.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Spotted Giant Hatchet Fish will get along with a wide range of smaller and peaceful community fish, they have small mouths so there is no concern of them predating on small fish however they are active fish meaning they may outcompete slower fish during feeding or any fish that is at the bottom of the aquarium.

Usually Compatible
Various tetras such as Cardinal, Rummynose, Kerri, cochus blue, and more.

Sometime Compatible
Angelfish, dwarf cichlids such as rams, giant danios, rainbow fish, and Corydoras which might compete for food or get outcompeted by the Spotted Giant Hatchet Fish. Almost all small, healthy, peaceful community fish would be fine in an average aquarium setting.

Rarely Compatible
Shrimp would be prey to hatchet fish or large potential predatory species that could mistake the hatchet fish for food.

Feeding your Spotted Giant Hatchet fish
These hatchet fish will take to a wide range of aquarium foods given to them, this includes pellets, flakes, and frozen and live foods. When kept in a school it is great to see their feeding frenzy as they hammer the surface of the water. Because of this primarily surface-dwelling mentality, floating or slow-sinking food is best fed to them.