Spotfin Hatchetfish (Thoracocharax stellatus)
| Spotfin Hatchetfish Thoracocharax stellatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Spotfin Hatchetfish |
| Name Lat. | Thoracocharax stellatus |
| Family | Freshwater Hatchetfishes |
| Family lat. | Gasteropelecidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Peru, Brazil |
| Habitat | Tributaries, forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 6-7 cm |
| Temperature | 20-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.4"-2.8" |
| Temperature | 68-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Platinum Hatchetfish is herbaceous waters in the Amazon River system in Peru and Brazil. They live in loose schools in slow-flowing forest streams and small rivers, preferably in places with rich vegetation on the water surface.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have plants flooding to the water surface, stones and roots, floating plants that serve as hiding places and dim the light, as well as provide sufficient swimming space. The soft, slightly acidic water should have a weak current
There should be no detectable ammonia, ammonium and nitrite, and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They prefer to eat food from the water surface. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed at least once a day with small insects such as mosquitoes, aphids, fruit flies and fruit flies, plus cyclops, daphnia, artemia and mosquito larvae (live or frozen). After habituation, high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) is also accepted. No food is taken from the bottom.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day, which are eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful, somewhat shy fish and can be kept very well in a community tank with other peaceful and calm fish. At least 5, but preferably more platinum hatchetfish should be kept together.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes can only be identified by the spawning of the female.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
Hatchetfish have powerful pectoral fin muscles, which enable them to take a quick launch out of the water when fleeing, and, propelled by rapid strokes of the caudal fin, they can fly up to 3 m. Accordingly, a gapless cover of the aquarium is necessary.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF