Black-winged Hatchetfish
Carnegiella marthae
Also known as: blackwinged hatchetfish
A tiny, deep-chested surface dweller that will absolutely find any gap in your lid.
About
The black-winged hatchetfish (Carnegiella marthae) is one of the smallest members of the freshwater hatchetfish family, native to the blackwater rivers of the Negro and upper Orinoco basins in South America. That dramatically compressed, keel-shaped body is no accident. It's the result of an enormously developed pectoral girdle packed with muscle, giving these fish their characteristic hatchet-head silhouette. Despite old claims that they can beat their pectoral fins like wings to power themselves through the air, research has shown the fins are used only to launch the fish from the water, not to sustain flight. The jump itself is still impressive, and a loose-fitting lid will cost you fish overnight. Keep the tank covered. In a community setup, this species pairs well with small, peaceful characins and dwarf catfishes, and works beautifully as a dither fish alongside Apistogramma and similar small cichlids, since it stays in the upper water column and ignores fry entirely. It is genuinely gregarious, so a group of ten or more isn't just recommended. It's really the only way to keep them settled and behaving naturally. Smaller groups tend to be skittish and withdrawn. A forgiving choice for a keeper who plans the tank thoughtfully around their calm, surface-skimming lifestyle.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Black-winged Hatchetfish
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Black-winged Hatchetfish get?
- The Black-winged Hatchetfish reaches about 0.5–1.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Black-winged Hatchetfish need?
- A minimum of 14 gallons is recommended for the Black-winged Hatchetfish, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Black-winged Hatchetfish need?
- The Black-winged Hatchetfish does best with a temperature of 68–84°F, a pH of 4–7, hardness around 1–10 dGH.
- Is the Black-winged Hatchetfish aggressive?
- The Black-winged Hatchetfish is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Black-winged Hatchetfish eat?
- The Black-winged Hatchetfish is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Black-winged Hatchetfish live?
- With good care, the Black-winged Hatchetfish typically lives 2-5 years.