Marble Hatchetfish - Carnegiella strigata strigata : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Marble Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata strigata) are truly captivating creatures that are bound to be the centerpiece of any aquarium. Their distinctive shape and behaviour set them apart from other fish. Known for their remarkable ability to leap high above the water's surface, they utilise a large muscle to propel themselves, evading potential predators. They exhibit a unique, sideways swimming behaviour that mimics a dead leaf drifting on the water, adding to their impressive array of survival strategies.
Though not the most robust species, Marble Hatchetfish can flourish in a home aquarium with appropriate care. They are not ideally suited for novice aquarists due to their timid nature and vulnerability to Ich. Exhibiting a reserved shoaling behaviour, they naturally form significant groups. It is crucial to keep them in groups of at least 6, though numbers greater than 10 are preferred. This not only provides them with a sense of security but also allows their natural behavioural patterns to emerge.
Co-habitation with other peaceful, similarly sized fish is recommended, as they are small and somewhat shy. Selecting tank mates that are small and non-aggressive is vital, as Marble Hatchetfish can become easily stressed by more dominant species. Suitable companions include small, peaceful Tetras, Pencilfish, Corydoras Catfish, and Dwarf Cichlids.
A mature, well-filtered aquarium is essential, with careful management of water movement to keep it gentle. Their wellbeing hinges on the presence of soft, acidic water, achievable by adding peat to the filter. Attention to water quality is paramount, especially considering their sensitivity to high nitrate levels and water chemistry changes.
Creating an ideal environment involves incorporating dark-themed décor, along with abundant bogwood, caves, and plants, including floating species, to ensure they feel secure. A critical precaution is securing the aquarium with a tight lid, as their natural jumping behaviour could lead them to leap out. Careful management of potential escape routes around equipment is also necessary.
Marble Hatchetfish boast an alluring marbled cream and brown pattern across their distinctive, hatchet-shaped body, with a notable golden line running from their eye to the caudal fin, enhancing their visual appeal. Positioned near the top of their heads, their mouths are perfectly adapted for surface feeding.
Often mixed up with their relatives, the Marbled Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata fasciatus), due to similar appearances and names, Marble Hatchetfish can be distinguished by their marbling patterns and geographical origins. Although both subspecies exhibit the characteristic hatchet shape, C. s. strigata usually presents a less pronounced marbling, which is key for differentiation by enthusiasts and experts. Recognising these nuances is essential for accurate identification and care.
Marble Hatchetfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Differentiating between male and female Marble Hatchetfish is a relatively challenging task. However, when viewed from above, the female appears plumper and larger than her male counterpart. In some instances, you may also notice the presence of eggs inside the female, indicating that she is preparing to spawn.
Observing these subtle differences requires a keen eye and may not always be definitive without clear signs of spawning. For aquarists interested in breeding or accurately sexing their hatchetfish, paying close attention to the physical characteristics and behaviours during the pre-spawning period can provide valuable clues.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Carnegiella strigata strigata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1864 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Gasteropelecidae |
| Genus | Carnegiella |
| Origins | Brazil , Colombia , Peru , Venezuela , Guyana |
| Max Size | 4.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6 - 7 |
| GH | 4 - 8 |
| ℉ | 75 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 24 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
In the lush waters of South America, the Marble Hatchetfish can be found darting through the tributaries and streams of Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Peru, and Brazil, as well as in the Rio Orinoco and Amazon River basins, including parts of Venezuela. These mesmerising hatchetfish are true surface dwellers and spend virtually all of their time at the water's surface, often in groups. They are adept at feeding on insects and crustaceans, gracefully jumping out of the water to catch their prey. These fish are especially fond of dense surface vegetation, which offers them protection from predators and serves as a source of food.
Thriving in both blackwater and clearwater systems, Marble Hatchetfish prefer environments with acidic pH levels, abundant in dense floating plants or overhanging vegetation. Such habitats not only provide safety from potential threats but also support their spawning activities and offer additional food sources when insects become entangled in the aquatic vegetation. Their shoaling nature, a key defensive strategy against predators, highlights the importance of social interaction within their species, making them a fascinating study of communal survival in the wild.
Breeding
Breeding the Marble Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata strigata) in an aquarium can be somewhat challenging, but with the appropriate conditions, spawning can be facilitated. These fish flourish in blackwater environments, hence adding peat to darken and soften the water creates an ideal breeding environment. A separate breeding tank with a thin layer of gravel substrate is essential.
The water should be slightly acidic and soft, with the temperature slightly elevated to around 28°C (82°F). Target a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. The tank should have dim lighting, and floating plants are indispensable, as they provide shade and serve as a spawning medium. Additional spawning sites may include roots or fine-leaved plants, whether real or artificial. A small, air-powered sponge filter will ensure suitable filtration and mild water circulation for the eggs and fry.
The Marble Hatchetfish engage in an extensive courting process. Breeding them in small groups of 4 to 6 specimens, with a balanced sex ratio, is advised to minimise stress and ensure successful pairing. Conditioning them with a diet rich in small flying insects, crustaceans, and bloodworms is recommended to stimulate spawning. It is crucial to remove the parents post-spawning to prevent them from consuming the eggs and fry.
Eggs will hatch within about 30 to 36 hours, with the fry becoming free-swimming a day or two afterwards. Initially, infusoria make an ideal food source for the first week; thereafter, they can be gradually moved onto brine shrimp or microworms. Approximately 20 days post-hatching, the fry will begin to develop the distinctive body shape of the adults and will swim in all areas of the aquarium.
Ensuring consistent water quality is paramount for the development of the fry, necessitating regular, small water changes. Such meticulous management is vital for optimal growth and health as the young fish mature.
Diet & Feeding
In the domestic aquarium, providing a varied diet is crucial for the health and wellbeing of the Marble Hatchetfish. Although they are not picky eaters, a diet solely consisting of flake food will not suffice. To ensure adequate nutrition, these fish require regular protein-based meals such as mosquito larvae, bloodworms, fruit flies, or brine shrimp. These can be supplied live or frozen, and it is recommended to provide them daily. The food should be given at the water surface, as the Hatchetfish tend to feed exclusively in this area and need the food to stay afloat for a longer period.
