Hatchet Fish

[Hels]

Hi Guys

I'm considering getting some hatchet fish...probably the marbled variety... does anyone have any general feedback or info before i go purchase???

they need to be in a shoal of 6 upwards dont they??

p.s. i've read all the general stuff...ie. feeding, jumping etc...

any info would be greatly appreciated

Thanks x

 

[Jer-]

Hi there

I love hatchet fish.

I used to keep the Marble hatchet and the silver type. They are both great, tho the marble ones dont grow as big as the silver ones.

Also, from my own experience, i think that the silver ones are more active and like to swim a bit below the water surface instead of RIGHT AT the surface marble ones like.

I hope I am makin sense.

Have fun with them

 

[MAM]

I adore my marble hatchets, some of my favorite fish. They do like to school, but don't be surprised if you see them break off into smaller groups or go solo at times. You know about the jumping, which is good. Some sources say they won't take flake but mine take it happily. They're very peaceful, but mine seem pretty tough as well, they don't take garbage from the other fish. They do enjoy a good current in the tank. Mine spend most of their time in front of the output for the HOB filter, bobbing in the current.

They're just a wonderful addition to a tank, and fill up that surface void nicely. And because of their unusual shape (and in the case of marbles, their pattern), they can be quite the conversation piece.

 

[Hels]

thanks for the replys guys!!

I really apreciate the feedback.....its difficult to know whether particular fish are likely to fit into an existing community but they sound great additions for the tank i was considering them for! i think i'll do a bit more reading then go and get myself some

xx

 

[Fish...E]

Do it, I think my Harry Hatchets are cool! (sorry Marble Hatchets!)

I was told they like to be in small groups, 3 and 4's, I have 3, they are wierd looking, but funny as hell!

Ian

 

[steelhealr]

Hi...I'll play the opposite side of the coin. I have my 46G bowfront up for one year now with many of my fish from my original setup still alive. My experience with hatchets has been so so. I've found that they can be particularly prone to ich, so, make sure you quarantine them before you add them to your main tank.

They ARE jumpers. Be careful at feeding time. Despite having a cover, etc, if there is a feeding frenzy and one gets spooked, they can jump right out of the tank. Happened multiple times despite even trying to keep the lid half closed.

Some of them were picky eaters...preferring ONLY dried bloodworms. However, they ARE all of the above...interesting to look at....fills the top space, etc. Just be aware that, like many FW species, they can have their 'challenging' attributes. Have fun. SH