Marbled Hatchetfish

About

The marbled hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata) is one of the most recognizable small characins in the hobby, built around that unmistakable deep, keel-shaped body formed by an enormously enlarged pectoral girdle. The body below the lateral line is decorated with a variable pattern of diagonal dark and light bands, and the exact arrangement differs enough between populations that researchers have described several subspecies over the years. Though all are currently considered the same species, with further revision likely as genetic work continues. In the wild, this fish is found across a broad sweep of the Amazon basin and into Colombia, where it cruises near the surface picking off small insects and crustaceans. Contrary to what you might expect from that powerful chest musculature, it doesn't actually fly. It makes a powerful, energy-hungry leap when threatened, but the fins aren't beating mid-air. In the aquarium it's generally a well-behaved, peaceful fish, though its small size and timid streak mean it really needs to be with similarly sized, calm tankmates. Keep them in groups of ten or more and you'll see considerably bolder, more natural behavior. A tight-fitting lid is a genuine necessity. They will jump. All specimens in the trade are wild-caught, so acclimate them patiently.