{"product_id":"silver-hatchetfish-for-sale-uk-hatchefish-gasteropelecus-sternicla-k190","title":"Hatchefish (Gasteropelecus sternicla)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview of Hatchefish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003esilver hatchetfish\u003c\/strong\u003e, scientifically known as \u003cem\u003eGasteropelecus sternicla\u003c\/em\u003e, a distinctive top-dwelling schooling fish with a gliding body shape, ideal for peaceful planted aquariums with a secure lid.. The common hatchetfish or river hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Gasteropelecidae, the freshwater hatchetfishes. This fish occu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to South America; native to the Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo, Tocantins-Araguaia, Mearim, upper Paraguay, and coastal Guiana drainages, this moderate-care species belongs to the Gasteropelecidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGasteropelecus sternicla\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gasteropelecidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and Distinguishing Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hatchefish reaches an adult size of approximately 6 cm and displays coloration that varies with mood, diet, and water conditions. Peaceful by nature, this species makes an interesting addition to appropriately stocked aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat and Origin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eGasteropelecus sternicla\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits south america; native to the amazon, orinoco, essequibo, tocantins-araguaia, mearim, upper paraguay, and coastal guiana drainages. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese waters are typically soft, slightly acidic, and rich in tannins from decomposing leaf litter. Dense vegetation provides shelter and feeding opportunities, while seasonal flooding creates dynamic habitat conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup and Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of \u003cstrong\u003e75 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e is essential for housing Hatchefish. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide appropriate hiding places, suitable substrate, and decorations that match their natural habitat preferences. Good filtration and stable water parameters are essential for all freshwater species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert Tip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways keep Hatchefish in groups of 6+ individuals. Smaller groups cause stress, faded colors, and abnormal behavior. Larger schools create spectacular displays!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters and Chemistry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Hatchefish:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-28C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5-7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e See species-specific requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm (zero tolerance)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Below 20 ppm ideally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species prefers soft, acidic water. Use RO water remineralized to appropriate GH\/KH, add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins, and avoid calcareous decorations that raise pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a insectivore, Hatchefish requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet of small floating foods such as flakes, micro pellets, crushed pellets, frozen or live insect foods, and other small meaty items; they feed primarily at the surface and do best...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVary the diet between quality flakes\/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hatchefish is classified as \u003cstrong\u003epeaceful\u003c\/strong\u003e, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis peaceful species thrives in community setups with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates. Calm demeanor and gentle nature make it ideal for planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tight-fitting lid is essential because hatchetfish are powerful jumpers. Keep them in a calm, well-covered aquarium with dim lighting, floating plants, and little surface agitation; they are easily...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatible Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible species include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall peaceful tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall peaceful dwarf cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful pencilfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid housing with:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge predatory fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin-nipping species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery boisterous tankmates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast competitive surface feeders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding and Reproduction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding is uncommon in home aquariums; if it occurs, it usually requires a mature, very quiet planted tank with soft, acidic water and live foods. Eggs are typically scattered near the surface among...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEgg-scattering species require dense planting or spawning mops to catch eggs. Remove adult fish immediately after spawning to prevent egg predation. Fry emerge in 24-48 hours and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy Hatchefish from Tropical Fish Co UK\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you choose Tropical Fish Co for your silver hatchetfish purchase, you benefit from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpert Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe Delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOngoing Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert care advice available whenever you need it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Hatchefish specimens are among the finest silver hatchetfish available online today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"2 - 3 cm","offer_id":57427528122703,"sku":"K190","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":57456884646223,"sku":"K359","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/hatchefish-gasteropelecus-sternicla-2-3cm-hero-driftwood-k190.webp?v=1776551621","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/silver-hatchetfish-for-sale-uk-hatchefish-gasteropelecus-sternicla-k190","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}