Black-winged hatchetfish Care Guide

The Black-winged Hatchetfish is a fascinating aquatic entity appreciated for its unique appearance and behavior. With a resilient nature and a peaceful demeanor, they are ideal for aquarists willing to provide a moderately complex care setup.

Care Requirements

Black-winged Hatchetfish require specific water conditions to thrive. The ideal pH range for the water is between 5 and 7.5. Temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C. These fish are moderately resilient, making them relatively easy to care for, but they still need appropriate attention to their environment.

Feeding

The diet for Black-winged Hatchetfish should be varied to ensure they receive proper nutrition. Their diet can include flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and frozen shrimp. Additional options are vegetable matter, algae wafers, color-enhancing food, daphnia, micro worms, feeder fish, freeze-dried foods, and stick-on tablets. Providing a mix of these foods will help keep them healthy and vibrant.

Tank Setup

Due to their nature as social creatures, it is crucial to keep them in groups, with a minimum school size of three. Each fish requires at least 15 liters of water. Their tank habitat includes surface, mid-tank, and bottom areas, meaning the tank should be well-decorated with plants and hiding spots to accommodate their territorial behavior and provide places for exploration.

Social Behavior

These fish are very peaceful and primarily interact well with other non-aggressive species. Their playful and social nature makes them a striking addition to community tanks. However, during breeding periods, they might exhibit slight aggression, so monitoring and careful selection of tank mates are advised during these times.

Conclusion

With moderate maintenance needs and a moderate level of popularity among aquarists, Black-winged Hatchetfish require a balanced diet and a suitably structured environment. These adaptable fish provide a captivating display in a well-maintained aquarium, fulfilling both aesthetic and ecological roles within a community setup.