Silver Hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Also sold as Albino silver hatchet
Synonyms Common hatchetfish
Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 4 cm (1.6 in) and swims near the surface in a shoal. It wants 68–82°F (20–28°C) and pH 5–7.5, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 108 L (29 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm (1.6 in) |
| Minimum tank | 108 L (29 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| pH | 5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 2–5 years |
Before it goes in
- Silver Hatchetfish needs at least 108 L (29 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 29 Gallon.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- 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.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 25% of what a 29 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 108 L (29 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 29 Gallon.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
What water does it want?
68–82°F (20–28°C), pH 5–7.5.
How long does it live?
2–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
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
| Silver Hatchetfish | Marbled Hatchetfish | Silver Dollar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm | 3.5 cm | 15 cm |
| Min tank | 108 L | 68 L | 260 L |
| Group | 6+ | 10+ | 5+ |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
More livestock
Sources (2) · checked Sep 2026
- Mature tankfishkeeper.co.uk
- fishkeepingworld.com