Family: Gasteropelecidae
Distribution: Gasteropelecus levis are endemic to the lower Amazon River basin, Brazil, South America,
PH: 5.8 – 7.1 pH
Temperature: 24 – 30°C (75 – 86°F)
Hardness: 4 – 15 dH
Description: The Silver Hatchetfish can reach a length of up to 6cm within captivity. They a very thin fish and exhibit black and gold lines longitudinally. They prefer the upper region of the tank.
A community tank is suitable for Gasteropelecus levis, as they are a peaceful species. However, only other peaceful species that inhabit the lower areas of the tank should be included, as the Silver Hatchetfish are quiet timid and easily frightened. It is also recommended that this species be kept in shoals to minimise stress to individual fish.
Diet: The natural food source for Gasteropelecus levis is insects. In captivity, they may also feed on worms, mosquito larvae, crustaceans, brine shrimp and flake foods.
Breeding: Gasteropelecus levis is difficult to breed in captivity. There is limited information available on successful pairings. If you are going to attempt to breed, condition the parents-to-be with small insects to keep their weight and health up. Set up a breeding tank with many floating plants (preferred spawning sites). Once the eggs have been laid, remove the parents.
The fry can be fed with paramecia and roftiers.
Comments: Due to the difficulty of breeding Gasteropelecus levis, they are only recommended for experienced aquarists. They are also susceptible to illnesses in poor water conditions.
Minimal tank size is 75-95L and requires a tightly-fitted lid. Gasteropelecus levis are jumpers and will easily get out a ‘make-shift’ cover. The tank should have dark colours (substrate, plants, etc) and requires diffused light (use floating plants).
As there was only limited information on this species, general information pertaining to the Gasteropelecidae family has been used.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-04-17 13:41:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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