Black-Winged Hatchetfish

Black-Winged Hatchetfish (Carnegiella marthae)

The Black-Winged Hatchetfish is a fascinating freshwater fish known for its unique appearance and peaceful nature. With a slender, laterally compressed body, these fish have large, wing-like pectoral fins that enable them to glide through the water. Their coloration is a mix of silver and black, with distinctive black markings on the dorsal and anal fins.

Black-Winged Hatchetfish are peaceful, making them great additions to a community tank. They grow to approximately 1.5 inches in length and should be kept in schools of at least 8-10 individuals. These fish are surface dwellers, preferring the top level of the aquarium.

Several slower swimming, middle-dwelling community fish can be paired with the timid nature of Black-Winged Hatchetfish. Suitable tank mates include Dwarf Gouramis, Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Pencilfish, and Corydoras catfish. It is important to avoid faster swimming fish like Danios or Barbs, as they may outcompete the Black-Winged Hatchetfish for food and cause unnecessary stress.

Their diet consists of small insects and crustaceans in the wild, so in captivity, they should be fed a mix of high-quality flake food, small live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp, and freeze-dried foods.

Black-Winged Hatchetfish thrives in a heavily-planted tank with plenty of hiding spaces provided by floating plants or driftwood on the surface. Dim lighting, a gentle water flow, and a dark substrate will help them feel more secure and display their best colors.

A minimum aquarium size of 20 gallons is recommended for a school or 30+ gallons for a community tank. Maintain a gentle to moderate water flow, with a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C), a pH of 5.0 to 7.0, and a hardness of 1-12 dGH. Monitor the water quality since Black-winged Hatchets can be sensitive to elevated nitrates and swings in water chemistry.

They may jump when started, so a tight-fitting lid is necessary to prevent escape.