All fish / Characidae

Hatchet Tetra

Gnathocharax steindachneri

Also known as hatchet tetra, red spot tetra, steindachner's tetra, gnathocharax tetra, red-spot hatchet tetra

A small, silvery characin with a deep keeled belly reminiscent of a hatchetfish, a red spot at the base of the tail and a dark shoulder mark. It lives near the surface in soft, acidic forest waters and is kept by enthusiasts of blackwater biotopes for its active shoaling behaviour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp and floating insects, plus fine flake

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon and Orinoco basins: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela

Breeding

An egg scatterer that has rarely been bred in home aquariums. Soft, acidic water and plenty of live food would likely be needed.

Good to know

Delicate and prone to jumping, so a tight lid is essential. Avoid boisterous or large tankmates that will outcompete or eat it.