✅Most freshwater fish like to hang out in the lower two-thirds of the aquarium, so it can be hard to fill in the upper third with some activity. Enter the hatchetfish. This top-dwelling nano fish has a very unique appearance that looks even cooler when you have a large school darting around just beneath the water surface. However, they have some special care requirements to be aware of, so let’s take a closer look at this interesting oddball.
✅What are the different types of hatchet fish? Several species are sold at local fish stores, but their availability may be seasonal. They usually range from 1–2.5 inches (2.5–6 cm) long, so we have listed them roughly in order of smallest to biggest size.
While some species like the common hatchetfish are now available as captive-bred or tank-raised, most hatchetfish are caught from the wild. By the time they travel from the wholesaler to the fish store, they may be underfed with weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease. Ask the fish store how long they’ve had the hatchetfish, watch them eat, and observe their behavior before making a purchase.
We strongly recommend that you always quarantinehatchetfish, feed them lots of high-quality foods, and proactively treat them with the trio of quarantine medications if possible. Hatchetfish are prone to ich or white spot disease, which is easily cured with Aquarium Solutions Ich-X. Also, wild-caught fish often have internal parasites like tapeworms, so treat them with Fritz ParaCleanse and then treat them again two weeks later to eliminate any worm eggs that hatched.
What fish can live with hatchet fish? Avoid keeping hatchetfish with other fish that are aggressive, large enough to eat them, or fast-swimming and able to outcompete them for food. They do best with tank mates that are similar-sized and peaceful, such as tetras and corydoras catfish. South American dwarf cichlids like German blue rams and Apistogramma cichlids are also fine because they occupy the lower half of the tank, while hatchetfish stay up above.
What fish can live with hatchet fish? Avoid keeping hatchetfish with other fish that are aggressive, large enough to eat them, or fast-swimming and able to outcompete them for food. They do best with tank mates that are similar-sized and peaceful, such as tetras and corydoras catfish. South American dwarf cichlids like German blue rams and Apistogramma cichlids are also fine because they occupy the lower half of the tank, while hatchetfish stay up above.
One of the main problems that fishkeepers have with hatchetfish, especially as they get bigger, is underfeeding because they really prefer to eat from the water surface and do not like swimming down to get sinking foods. In the wild, they use their small, upward-facing mouths to feed on insects and zooplankton. Therefore, feed tiny foods that float for a long time, and decrease water flow near the surface so the food won’t sink as quickly. Good floating foods include high-quality flakes, floating pellets, freeze-dried foods, and live baby brine shrimp that tend to swim toward the aquarium light.
✅ Size: from 3.5cm
Limited Quantity Available - Will Sell out Fast!
Note:
We can’t ship Livestock and Live Plants to WA and TAS due to State Restrictions. Kindly check out our DOA and other policies before purchase!!
What to Expect from Us
All Aquatic plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee!!
Important Notes:
Our goal is to use the fastest delivery service possible, although the shipping fee may be higher, we always want our customers to be satisfied and make sure the livestock arrives at your door safe and healthy.
** DOA POLICY UPDATED AUGUST 02 2023
** Area do not ship.
** Shipping Unit.
** How long is the shipping time for livestock?
** For other shipping.
However, the shrimp and fish you receive may be discolored and the reason of this issue is strong vibration during transportation and they're not be fed during the transport period
To handle this problem we highly recommend to you:
🚩Let the fish relax helps them adapt to any changes in water temperature in the tank. Also prevents pH shock - an imbalance between the water in the shop tank and your tank.
🚩Place the fish bag in a cool, corner, and dark place. Prevent the bag from being bumped, slipped, or dropped. This'll give your new fish a good recovery and acclimatization after a shaky ride from the shop to your home.
🚩Feed your old fish first to distract them, preventing them from bullying your new fish.
🚩Your new aquarium tank should have a pH of zero ammonia and chlorine before adding new fish.
🚩Turn off the lights, reduce the glare in the room, or limit the light entering the aquarium. This will help the new fish not be stressed.