Hatchetfish

Origin: South America: Middle Amazon, Guyana.

Temperament: Very active, but a fairly good community fish.

Size: Up to 6.5cm (2.6").

Temperature: 75-86°F or 24-30°C

pH Level: 6.4 to 6.8

Food: Flake food, pellets, mosquito larvae, small insects and crustaceans, plant matter.

Tank Setup: This fish is very active and has been known to leap over 5 metres or 16.5 feet! Ensure there is both adequate swimming space and tight-fitting lids. If your fish jumps regularly, it is best to keep some floating plants to reduce possible injury when it hits the glass.

Breeding: Difficult. Very hard to breed in captivity as the conditions required are very particular.

Sexing: Males tend to be thinner than females when viewed from above..

Comments: The information is for the common hatchetfish. There are other varities, such as the silver, black-winged and marble hatchetfish, all of which are found in different parts of South America. If you don't like active fish, this isn't for you. Remember that fish prone to leaping can require special care and may leap when you approach the tank. Less apt to jump if kept in a school of 4 or more.