{"product_id":"silver-hatchetfish","title":"Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus Sternicla)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSilver Hatchetfish — The Classic Surface Dweller for the Planted Aquarium\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSilver Hatchetfish\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eGasteropelecus sternicla\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the most iconic surface-dwelling fish in the freshwater hobby. Instantly recognizable by its deep, laterally compressed body and brilliant silver sheen, this peaceful schooling fish from the rivers of South America adds a unique and elegant dimension to the upper water column of any planted aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eLife at the Surface\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike most aquarium fish that occupy the mid or lower zones, the Silver Hatchetfish lives exclusively at the surface — gliding just beneath the waterline in tight, shimmering schools. Their reflective silver bodies catch the light beautifully, creating a dynamic, living mirror effect that brings constant movement and visual interest to an area of the tank that is often left empty.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gasteropelecus sternicla\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South America (Amazon Basin, Orinoco, Guyana)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful; best kept in schools of 6 or more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore — accepts small floating foods, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, and fruit flies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 23–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.0 (prefers soft, slightly acidic water)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 80 cm \/ 80L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Capable jumpers — a tight-fitting lid is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAquascape Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSilver Hatchetfish are completely plant-safe and peaceful with all community fish. They thrive in planted aquariums with floating plants or overhanging vegetation that replicates their natural Amazonian surface habitat. Avoid strong surface turbulence — they prefer calm, well-oxygenated water. An excellent choice for Nature Aquarium layouts, South American biotopes, and any tank where the surface zone deserves attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSilver, graceful, and unmistakably unique — the Silver Hatchetfish is the surface schooler your aquascape has been missing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54051022668049,"sku":null,"price":7.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/9225\/6785\/files\/24401991_1920x_a903455d-d19c-4552-a0e1-3b1cba1eb56a.webp?v=1785275332","url":"https:\/\/www.aquapets.ca\/products\/silver-hatchetfish","provider":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}