Moderate

Marble Hatchetfish

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Carnegiella strigata

Complete Marble Hatchetfish care guide covering carnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Marble Hatchetfish

Quick Answer

Marble Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) is a unique top-dwelling fish from South America. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 5.5 - 7.0 and temperature range of 24-28°C. This carnivore occupies the top zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Marble Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) is a unique top-dwelling fish from South America. Its deep, hatchet-shaped body is adapted for jumping and gliding above the water surface.

Setup

A 20-gallon or larger tank with floating plants and a very tight, secure lid (no gaps). Low water flow, dark substrate, and dim lighting. Soft, acidic water preferred.

Feeding

Carnivorous; only accepts small live or frozen foods that float on the surface: fruit flies, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae. They rarely eat dry foods.

Compatibility

Peaceful schooling fish. Keep in groups of 8+. Tankmates must be peaceful and non-competitive for food: small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras.

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Tank Position
Top
Water Temp
24-28°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
5.5 - 7.0

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Carnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Leaf Fish Care Guide: Diet & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet | The Aquarium Calculators semanticSimilarity Badis Care Guide: Tank Size & Compatibility semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Marble Hatchetfish should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 8 to 12 individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a surface area of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Marble hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) are specialized surface fish that require a secure, tight-fitting lid with no gaps over 0.2 inches (5 mm) due to their ability to jump. Groups under 6 cause chronic stress and surface skimming. A school of 15+ displays natural surface schooling. Provide floating plants (Salvinia, Frogbit) and gentle surface flow. Tank height should not exceed 12 inches (30 cm) as they stay at the surface.
What are the exact water parameters for Marble Hatchetfish?
Target pH 5.5 - 7.0, General Hardness 2 - 6 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 1 - 4 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 40 - 120 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 80 - 240 μS/cm, and temperature 75°F - 82°F (24°C - 28°C). They prefer soft, acidic blackwater parameters with gentle surface movement. Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 20% water changes using RO water. Add Indian almond leaves (1 per 5 gallons) and peat filtration. Use a sponge filter with baffled outflow. Avoid strong currents and alkaline substrates.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Marble Hatchetfish?
They are surface carnivores requiring 50% protein, 15% fat, 35% plant matter. Feed floating flakes, freeze-dried fruit flies (Drosophila), floating bloodworms, and surface micro-granules. They rarely eat sinking foods; use a feeding ring. Feed 2-3 times daily. Medication alert: Sensitive to copper (0.1 mg/L max) and formalin. Use malachite green at half-dose (0.05 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <2 ppt). Quarantine with methylene blue at half-strength.
How to breed Marble Hatchetfish in captivity?
Breeding is rare but possible. Condition a group of 10-12 with live fruit flies and baby brine shrimp for 3 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 4 inches (10 cm) of RO water (pH 6.0, 2 dGH, 80°F/27°C), floating plants, and a spawning mop at the surface. Simulate dawn with gradual light. Spawning occurs at dawn; female releases 200-400 eggs that float to the surface. Remove parents after 4 hours. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours at 78°F (25.5°C). Fry require infusoria for 5 days, then baby brine shrimp. Keep tank covered.

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