Freshwater Aquarium Guide -- Gasteropelecidae

Gasteropelecidae:

The Gasteropelecidae or freshwater Hatchetfish family is found exclusively in South America and includes the genera Carnegiella,Gasteropelecus, and Thoracocharax. These fish have the unique ability to glide over the water surface by rapidly beating its pectoral fins. This is probably the best known of the Amazonian hatchet fishes. It lives close to the water surface and tends to take food such as small flies from the surface.

When alarmed it is able to rise up out of the water and fly above the surface using its long pectoral fins. The characteristic flash across the water surface accompanied by a rapid clicking, almost humming sound as the pectorals hit the water surface is frequently experienced when traveling along small channels by canoe. These fish have probably evolved this escape strategy to avoid predatory fish as they are frequently seen above the surface when large open water predators are feeding.

Several species have been successfully bred; in almost all cases the water used has been acidic and very soft. The pair was conditioned with small flying insects. Spawning takes place among floating plants. The parents should be removed after spawning. Start feeding the fry with rotifers and paramecia.

These fish feed from the surface. In nature, they feed on small flying insects, such as gnats and Drosophila (fruit flies).In captivity they can also be fed mosquito larvae, bloodworms, glass-worms, Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, and flake foods.

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