Silver Hatchetfish
 
Gasteropelecus levis
Common names: Silver Hatchetfish, River Hatchetfish
 
Overview
The Silver Hatchetfish is a peaceful South American surface-dwelling species known for its distinct hatchet-shaped body and extremely reflective silver sheen. One of the most iconic “top-water” schooling fish, they are masters of jumping and gliding—an adaptation to escape predators.
They do best in peaceful community tanks, tightly lidded aquariums, and in groups of 8+ to reduce stress.
 
Distribution
Amazon Basin
Brazil, Peru, and Guyana
Found in quiet forest streams, blackwater environments, and surface vegetation zones
 
Size
5–6 cm (slightly larger in the wild)
Lifespan
3–5 years
 
Appearance
Bright, reflective silver body
Deep chest (hatchet shape) used for muscle-powered jumps
High pectoral fin insertions
Transparent or lightly smoky fins
Females often slightly deeper-bodied
 
Behaviour & Temperament
Very peaceful, timid if kept in small groups
Strictly a surface-dweller
Schooling fish—8–12+ recommended
Easily startled; can jump with extreme force
Ideal for Amazon community setups
 
Aquarium Requirements
Tank Size
90 cm long tank (100–120 L+) minimum for a group
Wide surface area is more important than depth
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 5.5–7.2
GH: 1–8 dGH
Soft, acidic water preferred
 
Substrate & Décor
Dark sand or leaf litter to reduce stress
Driftwood branches
Floating plants (Amazon frogbit, salvinia, water lettuce) to diffuse light
Open surface zone for schooling
 
Filtration & Flow
Gentle surface agitation
Avoid strong currents—can stress surface fish
Keep water very clean, sensitive to poor quality
 
Diet
Micro-predatory surface feeder:
Small floating pellets
Live or frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworm, mosquito larvae)
Flake foods accepted after acclimation
Feed multiple small meals to mimic natural top-water feeding
 
Will not eat sinking foods—stay entirely at the surface.
Tankmates
Good with:
Tetras (cardinals, lemons, embers, rummynose)
Pencilfish
Rasboras
Corydoras
Apistogramma & dwarf cichlids (non-aggressive)
Small plecos & whiptails
Peaceful gouramis (honey, pearl)
Avoid:
Anything large or predatory
Boisterous species (barbs, larger rainbowfish)
Jump-inducing tankmates like certain cichlids
 
Breeding
Rare in home aquariums but possible.
Requirements
Very soft, acidic water (pH ~5.0–5.5)
Warm temperatures (27–28°C)
Lots of floating plants
Dim lighting
Condition with high-protein foods
Spawning
Egg scatterers near surface
Eggs float among plants
Fry Care
Very tiny fry—need infusoria, rotifers, then baby brine shrimp
Sensitive to surface film (needs clean, oxygenated surface)
 
Care Level
Moderate
Main challenges:
Very prone to jumping
Sensitive to poor water quality
Requires schooling group
Prefers soft, slightly acidic water