Can I keep Marbled Hatchetfish in an open-top, rimless aquarium?

Absolutely not. Marbled Hatchetfish are spectacular jumpers in the wild, an instinct they retain in captivity. Without a tight-fitting lid that covers all gaps, they are virtually guaranteed to jump out of the tank.

Why are my Marbled Hatchetfish hiding in the corners?

This usually indicates stress. Ensure they are in a group of at least six, the water flow at the surface isn't too strong, and provide floating plants. Overhead cover makes them feel safe from aerial predators.

What is the best way to feed them?

Because their mouths are located at the very top of their heads, they can only eat from the surface. Use foods that stay afloat for a long time, such as high-quality flakes, freeze-dried bloodworms, or live wingless fruit flies.

Are they difficult to keep?

They are considered an intermediate species. While peaceful, they are sensitive to poor water quality, require careful attention to surface feeding, and need a well-established, secure environment to thrive.

Why do they stay motionless at the surface?

This is their natural hunting behaviour. In the wild, they hover just below the surface, watching the meniscus carefully for insects that have fallen from the trees above, darting forward only when prey or food is spotted.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Marbled Hatchetfish

Carnegiella strigata

A peaceful, surface-dwelling characin known for its distinctive deep chest, beautiful marbled patterning, and extraordinary jumping ability.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 5 – 7
Hardness: 1 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 3 – 4 cm
60L for a small group, preferably a long footprint: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Insectivore/Carnivore
Water flow: Low to moderate; requires calm surface areas
Preferred setup: Must have a tight-fitting, gap-free lid. Floating plants are highly recommended to provide cover and reduce stress.

About the Marbled Hatchetfish

The Marbled Hatchetfish is easily one of the most recognisable freshwater fish available in the hobby. Characterised by a flattened back and an extremely deep, muscular chest, this species is built entirely for life at the water's surface. In the wild, they use their powerful pectoral fins to leap from the water to evade predators and catch flying insects. They bring wonderful activity and unique morphology to the upper layers of a peaceful community aquarium.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Marbled Hatchetfish comes from

Native range

Amazon River basin, Orinoco River basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Guyana

Habitat

Slow-moving, shaded forest streams and flooded igapó forests, often in tannin-stained blackwater beneath dense overhanging vegetation.

Widespread across the upper and middle Amazon, as well as the southern Orinoco basin.

Similar species

Silver Hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Pygmy Hatchetfish
Carnegiella myersi

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Peaceful, mid-water schooling fish that thrive in the same warm, soft, and slightly acidic conditions without competing for surface space.
Great
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Excellent bottom-dwellers that completely ignore the surface-dwelling hatchetfish, creating a balanced community.
Great
Otocinclus
Macrotocinclus affinis
Peaceful algae eaters that occupy the substrate and plant leaves, posing zero threat to hatchetfish.
Great
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
While peaceful, they are frantic top-to-mid-water swimmers that can outcompete the slower, more methodical hatchetfish for food.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Notoriously boisterous and prone to fin-nipping; they will severely stress the timid hatchetfish.
Not recommended

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