Marbled hatchetfish — a Gasteropelecidae from 南美洲, peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Reaches 2.6–3.9 cm; shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm. 24–28 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
24–28 °C
pH
5–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
2.6–3.9 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks
Origin
南美洲
Species overview
Gasteropelecidae species Carnegiella strigata comes from 南美洲. A mid-water shoaler whose colour and courage arrive together, with the group. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 2.6–3.9 cm. Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm. Dark substrate, gentle light, big school — the three levers for this fish. Maintain 24–28 °C at pH 5–8. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm
Diet
Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour
Recommended tankmates
Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass
Avoid keeping with
Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops