Marbled Hatchet Tetra Medium
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🐟 Marbled Hatchet Tetra (Carnegiella strigata) Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Carnegiella strigata |
| Common Name | Marbled Hatchet Tetra |
| Origin | Amazon Basin, South America |
| Adult Size | 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy schooling fish |
| Tank Level | Top of the tank (surface dweller) |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 40+ liters (10+ gallons) for a small school |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately soft (2–12 dGH) |
| Substrate | Dark sand or fine gravel |
| Decor | Floating plants, driftwood, open swimming areas |
| Lighting | Dim to moderate; floating plants help reduce glare |
| Filtration | Gentle current; sponge filter or low-output canister |
Tips:
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Keep in groups of 6 or more for comfort and natural schooling behavior.
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Floating plants provide cover and reduce stress.
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Tank should have a tight-fitting lid — these fish are excellent jumpers.
🔹 Diet
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Type: Omnivorous
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Best Foods: Small flakes, micro-pellets, frozen/live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, microworms).
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Feeding Frequency: 1–2 small feedings daily; avoid overfeeding as they are surface feeders.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Peaceful and non-aggressive; may be shy around boisterous tankmates.
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Best suited for community tanks with other peaceful species.
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Active near the surface; enjoy observing movement and feeding at the top.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
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Small tetras (neon, ember, cardinal tetras)
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Corydoras catfish
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Small peaceful rasboras
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Otocinclus catfish
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Shrimp and snails
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
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Aggressive or fast-moving fish
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Large fish that may prey on hatchetfish
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Open-top tanks (risk of jumping)
🐣 Breeding Info
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Spawning Method: Egg scatterer; floating plants help protect eggs.
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Parental Care: None — adults may eat eggs.
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Fry Care: Feed infusoria or liquid fry food, then baby brine shrimp.
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Stable water conditions are essential for successful breeding.
🌿 Fun Facts
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Named for their unique hatchet-shaped bodies and marbled pattern.
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Excellent surface swimmers; will often “skate” along the top.
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Very sensitive to water quality; keeping them in calm, planted tanks improves health and coloration.
