Family: Gasteropelecidae
Distribution: Gasteropelecus maculatus prefer stagnant bodies of water (swamps, lakes, ponds) in Central and South America; specifically from eastern Panama through to Surinam, including Venezuela and Colombia.
PH: 6 – 7 pH
Temperature: 23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F)
Hardness: 6 – 15 dH
Description: The Spotted Hatchetfish is a peaceful upper-dwellers and suits a community tank. They should also be kept in shoals of five or more.
Whilst the colouration of Gasteropelecus maculatus is silver with an olive-brown back, it can appear a shimmering green or blue under different light angles. Their convex body is spotted – hence the name – and the fins are transparent. Interestingly, the fins will often measure half of the body length. Being upper-dwellers, the mouth is characteristically small and up-turned. They can reach a length of 9cm. Females will grow plumper during spawning season.
Diet: This species prefers a diet of live food such as larvae, mosquitos, brine shrimp, bloodworms and small crustaceans. You may also substitute flake food into your Gasteropelecus maculatus’ diet on occasion.
Breeding: Breeding Gasteropelecus maculatus can be extremely difficult. They need to be well-fed and placed in a darkened aquarium with soft, acidic water. Floating plants are required as the eggs are laid in the roots. Parents should be removed after spawning as they may chase the fry. The eggs will drop to the bottom of the tank and will hatch less than 48 hours later. The new fry should be fed on fine infusoria.
Comments: Whilst Gasteropelecus maculatus is a reasonably hardy species, they will take some time to settle into their new surroundings. Due to the difficulty of breeding, it is not always recommended for beginners.
Gasteropelecus maculatus require a tank of at least 114L with a tight cover, surface plants and a filter to oxygenate the water. Due to their penchant for jumping, aquarists may choose a set-up that includes a large space between the surface of the water and the cover so that the Spotted Hatchetfish can jump around freely.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Larger mid- to bottom-dwellers with minimal to no aggression are recommended, 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.
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