The Silver Hatchet is among the more uniquely shaped species of fish. Hatchetfish have a slender body with a deep "belly" and pectoral fins that are set high on the body. Hatchetfish have upturned mouths characteristic of true surface dwellers.

Gasteropelecus Sternicla prefers a planted aquarium with a few floating plants. Leave plenty of free swimming space at the surface of the tank. A schooling fish, the Silver Hatchet is best kept in a group of six or more. A hood on the aquarium is necessary, as this fish likes to jump. Excellent water quality must be maintained to keep this fish at its best.

The Silver Hatchet breeds in soft water (about 5°), and a low pH (about 6.0). A diet of fresh mosquito larvae and fruit flies may trigger spawning and the depositing of eggs on floating plants. The eggs hatch within 36 hours and the fry should be fed a quality live food such as brine shrimp.

A carnivore, the Silver Hatchet will eat floating foods such as freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, high quality flake food, mosquito larvae, small flies, and some other meaty live or frozen foods. My hatchets go crazy over fruit flies.