River Hatchetfish — a Gasteropelecidae from 南美洲, gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few. Reaches 3–4.4 cm; schools tightly; never keep below 6. 23–27 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
23–27 °C
pH
6–7
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
3–4.4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few
Origin
南美洲
Species overview
Gasteropelecus sternicla is a Gasteropelecidae from 南美洲. Its colours are honest signalling: pale, scattered fish are telling you something is wrong. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 3–4.4 cm. Schools tightly; never keep below 6. Keep a proper school, dim the glare, and feed small foods several times a day. Maintain 23–27 °C at pH 6–7. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
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
Schools tightly; never keep below 6
Diet
Mid-water omnivore; colour foods keep the red honest
Recommended tankmates
Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully