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Spotted Hatchetfish
Thoracocharax securis
📍 South America
The Spotted Hatchetfish (Thoracocharax securis) is one of the largest hatchetfish species, prized for its distinctive deep-keeled body and ability to leap from the water to escape predators. It is a surface-dwelling fish that uses its powerful pectoral muscles to skim or briefly fly above the water surface. This species is best kept in a well-covered aquarium with peaceful tankmates and a calm environment.
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Care Guide
Diet
Spotted Hatchetfish are carnivores that primarily feed at the water surface, making floating foods essential. Offer a varied diet of live or frozen fruit flies, small crickets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and high-quality floating micro pellets or flakes. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, as they can be shy feeders and may not compete well for food with more active species.
Behavior
This species is a dedicated surface dweller, spending virtually all of its time at or just below the water surface. They are peaceful and somewhat timid, doing best in groups of six or more where they feel secure and display more natural schooling behavior. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as Spotted Hatchetfish are exceptional jumpers and will leap out of uncovered tanks.
Breeding
Breeding Spotted Hatchetfish in captivity is considered difficult and rarely achieved. Spawning can be triggered by soft, acidic water, a varied live food diet, and the presence of floating plants near the surface. Eggs are scattered among floating vegetation and the parents show no brood care, so eggs and fry should be separated to prevent predation.
Tank Mates
Peaceful South American species that occupies middle and lower zones, leaving the surface free for hatchetfish
Small, peaceful schooling fish that coexists well without competing for surface space
Bottom-dwelling corydoras that occupies a completely different zone and shares similar water parameters
Peaceful pencilfish from South America with compatible water requirements
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that stays in lower zones and shares soft, acidic water preferences
Gentle algae eater that stays on surfaces and substrate, no competition or threat to hatchetfish
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Small white spots resembling grains of salt on the body and fins, flashing or rubbing against objects, lethargy
Raise water temperature gradually to 28-30°C, treat with ich medication such as malachite green or copper-based treatments; ensure good water quality
Velvet (Oodinium)
Fine gold or rust-colored dust on the skin, rapid gill movement, lethargy, loss of appetite, fish may flash against objects
Dim tank lighting, treat with copper-based medication or acriflavine; perform water changes and quarantine affected fish
Bacterial Fin Rot
Fraying, discoloration, or deterioration of fins, reddened fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, treat with antibacterial medications such as kanamycin or erythromycin
Mycobacteriosis (Fish TB)
Wasting, loss of appetite, hollow belly, skin lesions, lethargy, spinal deformities
No reliable cure; isolate affected fish, euthanize severely affected individuals, disinfect tank thoroughly; this disease can be zoonotic so handle with care
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore – prefers live and frozen insects, small invertebrates, and floating pellets
- lifespan
- 3-5 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2-12 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)