Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Synonyms Marble hatchet
Marbled Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 3.5 cm (1.4 in) and swims near the surface in a shoal. It wants 68–82°F (20–28°C) and pH 4–7, is kept in groups of 10 or more, and needs a tank of at least 68 L (18 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 68 L (18 gal) |
| Group size | 10 or more |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| pH | 4–7 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Marbled Hatchetfish needs at least 68 L (18 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
- Keep 10 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It holds at 68–82°F (20–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- A group of 10 takes up roughly 49% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 68 L (18 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.
How many should I keep?
10 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
68–82°F (20–28°C), pH 4–7.
How long does it live?
3–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Marbled Hatchetfish | Silver Hatchetfish | Black Neon Tetra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 3.5 cm | 4 cm | 3.5 cm |
| Min tank | 68 L | 108 L | 60 L |
| Group | 10+ | 6+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 73–81°F (23–27°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | — | Shrimplets only |