Description
Marble Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Carnegiella strigata
Common Names: Marble Hatchetfish, Marbled Hatchetfish
Family: Gasteropelecidae (Freshwater Hatchetfish Family)
Order: Characiformes
Origin: Amazon Basin — Found in Peru, Brazil, and Colombia in slow-moving forest streams and tributaries.
Size: Up to 4.5 cm (1.8 inches)
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Surface dweller
🌊 Water Parameters
Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
pH: 5.5 – 7.0
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
TDS: 80 – 200 ppm
🐟 Characteristics
Body Shape: Distinctive hatchet-shaped body with a deep chest and flat back.
Coloration: Silvery body marbled with dark brown or black streaks, resembling natural stone patterns.
Fins: Small pectoral fins adapted for short gliding jumps above the water.
Behavior: Peaceful, shy, and prefers to stay near the water surface under floating plants.
Special Feature: Known for their ability to leap out of the water when startled — a tight-fitting lid is essential.
🍽️ Diet
Type: Carnivorous
Diet: Live or frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, fruit flies, brine shrimp, and finely crushed flakes.
Feeding Frequency: 2 times daily with small portions.
Tip: Provide floating foods to match their surface-feeding habit.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 60 liters (15 gallons) for a small group.
Filtration: Gentle filtration with low surface turbulence.
Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel to mimic natural habitat.
Decor: Floating plants, driftwood, and dim lighting for comfort.
Water Change: 25–30% weekly to maintain pristine water quality.
👥 Social Behavior
Group Size: Schooling fish — keep in groups of at least 6 or more.
Tank Mates: Peaceful species like Neon Tetras, Corydoras, Pencilfish, and small Rasboras.
Avoid: Large or boisterous fish that may frighten them.
✅ Do’s
• Provide floating plants for cover.
• Keep a tightly covered aquarium to prevent jumping.
• Maintain soft, slightly acidic water.
❌ Don’ts
• Avoid sudden movements or loud vibrations near the tank.
• Don’t keep singly — they stress easily without a group.
⭐ Quick Tip:
The Marble Hatchetfish is a unique surface dweller that brings both beauty and fascination to any peaceful community aquarium. Its marbled body pattern and gliding behavior make it a true gem for nature-style or Amazon biotope tanks.
