How difficult is it to keep Marble Hatchetfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Marble Hatchetfish?

The ideal temperature for Marble Hatchetfish is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Marble Hatchetfish?

The average lifespan of Marble Hatchetfish is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Marble Hatchetfish get?

Marble Hatchetfish typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Marble Hatchetfish?

Marble Hatchetfish feeds on: Floating pellets, frozen foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Marble Hatchetfish?

The price of Marble Hatchetfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

AI-generated image

Marble Hatchetfish

Intermediate

Carnegiella strigata

Surface fish with distinctive axe (hatchet) -shaped body. 'Flying fish' that glides on water surface flapping pectoral fins like wings. Unique marble pattern and distinctive silhouette make it a striking accent in planted tanks.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

24〜28℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

3-4cm

Diet

Floating pellets, frozen foods

About

The marbled hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) is a surface-dwelling characin native to the flooded forests, swamps, and small streams of the Amazon River basin in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. At 3–4 cm, it displays beautiful silver-white coloration overlaid with an intricate marbled pattern of brown and gold. The distinctive hatchet-shaped body profile — created by a massively enlarged chest housing powerful pectoral muscles — enables genuine powered flight: by rapidly vibrating its oversized pectoral fins, the marbled hatchetfish can break through the water surface and glide 1–3 meters through the air to escape predators. In aquariums, they occupy the surface zone in tightly grouped schools, providing activity in the topmost layer that most other fish ignore. A secure lid is absolutely non-negotiable. Floating pellets and surface-oriented foods best match their feeding behavior. Groups of five or more are more stable and confident. An excellent choice for adding life to the surface layer of planted aquariums.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Marble Hatchetfish

The Marble Hatchetfish lives 3-5 years.

Size of the Marble Hatchetfish

The Marble Hatchetfish grows to 3-4cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Marble Hatchetfish

The ideal temperature for the Marble Hatchetfish is 24〜28℃.

Water conditions of pH 6.0–7.0 at 24–28°C suit them, though they are sensitive to abrupt parameter changes — careful drip acclimation is important.

Basic Info

Care Specifications

pH: 5–8
Hardness (GH): 5–19 dGH
Water Temp.: 24–28℃

PeacefulGroup

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Carnegiella strigata (Günther, 1864)

Synonyms: Carnegiella fasciatus (Garman, 1890), Carnegiella strigata fasciata (Garman, 1890), Carnegiella strigata marowini Hoedeman, 1952, Carnegiella strigata strigata, Carnegiella strigata surinamensis Hoedeman, 1952, Carnegiella strigata vesca Fraser-Brunner, 1950

Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.