Size
3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Physical Characteristics
It has a hatchet form and a gold line that runs from its eye to its caudal fin. Below that, there is a design that resembles a marble in shades of brown and cream (hence its name).
Temperament
Because they are so calm, marble hatchets rarely fight with their tank mates. Nonetheless, because of their shy character, they might not be appropriate for community aquariums with extremely boisterous species. Hatchetfish could act as a “dither” fish for more reserved fish species because they are constantly active.
Habitat
Seems to be an unique resident of blackwater habitats. It lives in what are known as igapó and igarapé habitats in the Rio Negro system, which are characterized by dense, frequently overhanging riparian vegetation and substrates covered in fallen branches, tree roots, and leaf litter.
Keeping as Pet
- Tank Size
For a group of Marble hatchets, a minimum 15 to 20 gallon aquarium is excellent. A tightly fitting lid is strongly advised because some people have a tendency to jump.
- Water Parameters
Temperature: between 20 and 28 °C
pH: 4.0 – 7.0
18 to 179 ppm of hardness
- Feeding
Mainly a predator, it eats zooplankton that is naturally caught at or near the water’s surface and includes both terrestrial and aquatic animals. It will eat dried foods that are the right size in the aquarium, but it should also be given regular meals of small live and frozen foods like Moina, Artemia nauplii, grindal worm, Daphnia etc.
Although it is preferable to fill the stomachs of these small insects by feeding them fish flakes or some other type of vegetable matter before presenting them to the fish, small insects like baby crickets or Drosophila fruit flies are also good for usage.
- Tank mates
Good tankmates for this fish are dwarf cichlids, tetras, Loricariids, and Corydoras.
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