Platinum hatchetfish
Thoracocharax stellatus
Also known as: Hatchetfish
A silvery, deep-keeled jumper that needs a tight-fitting lid and plenty of company.
About
The platinum hatchetfish (Thoracocharax stellatus) is one of the larger members of the freshwater hatchetfish family, instantly recognizable by its dramatically compressed, keel-shaped body. A form produced by an enormously developed, heavily muscled pectoral girdle. That keel is the most pronounced of any hatchetfish genus, making Thoracocharax easy to pick out at a glance. If you need to tell it apart from its close relative T. securis, look for the bold dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin; T. securis lacks it entirely. In the wild, T. stellatus ranges widely across South America, turning up in the Paraná, Amazon, and Orinoco river basins, and populations from different regions show enough morphological variation that some researchers suspect the name may actually cover a complex of several distinct species. In the aquarium it is a peaceful fish, but a nervous one. It does poorly when kept with boisterous tankmates that outcompete it at feeding time, and it genuinely needs a group. Aim for at least six to help it feel secure. Tetras, Corydoras, and substrate-oriented cichlids like Geophagus make ideal companions. One absolute requirement: a tight, gapless lid. These fish can and will clear the surface given the chance, and open covers are a real hazard overnight.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Platinum hatchetfish
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Platinum hatchetfish get?
- The Platinum hatchetfish reaches about 1.5–3" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Platinum hatchetfish need?
- A minimum of 43 gallons is recommended for the Platinum hatchetfish, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Platinum hatchetfish need?
- The Platinum hatchetfish does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 5–7.5, hardness around 1–12 dGH.
- Is the Platinum hatchetfish aggressive?
- The Platinum hatchetfish is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Platinum hatchetfish eat?
- The Platinum hatchetfish is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Platinum hatchetfish live?
- With good care, the Platinum hatchetfish typically lives 2-5 years.