Spotfin hatchetfish - Thoracocharax stellatus
Scientific name: Thoracocharax stellatus
Common name: Spotfin hatchetfish
Family: Gasteropelecidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 8 cm (2.76 - 3.15 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 7.4
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 3 - 15°N (53.57 - 267.86ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 29 °C (73.4 - 84.2°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Top levels
Food and feeding
Use a quality flake for the staple diet but Spotfin hatchetfish will require meaty foods in the form of blood worms and brine shrimp on a regular basis.
Origin
South America; Spotfin hatchetfish are found in the still waters of Brazil and Argentina.
Sexing
Females will be larger than the males so sexing individual specimens is not easy, best to compare a group of specimens.
Breeding
As of yet, Spotfin hatchetfish have not been bred successfully in the aquarium, in the wild they are egg scatterers.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Thoracocharax stellatus is 7 years.
Short description
Always use a tight fitting lid when keeping Thoracocharax stellatus; they are excellent jumpers as in the wild they will leap out of the water to catch insects for food. They require optimum water conditions so are not ideal for beginners. Always keep them in groups as they are a schooling fish.