🐟 Marbled Hatchet Tetra (Carnegiella strigata) Care Sheet

🔹 Overview

Category	Details
Scientific Name	Carnegiella strigata
Common Name	Marbled Hatchet Tetra
Origin	Amazon Basin, South America
Adult Size	3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in)
Lifespan	3–5 years
Temperament	Peaceful, shy schooling fish
Tank Level	Top of the tank (surface dweller)

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🔹 Tank Setup

Parameter	Ideal Range
Tank Size	40+ liters (10+ gallons) for a small school
Temperature	24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH	6.0–7.0
Hardness	Soft to moderately soft (2–12 dGH)
Substrate	Dark sand or fine gravel
Decor	Floating plants, driftwood, open swimming areas
Lighting	Dim to moderate; floating plants help reduce glare
Filtration	Gentle current; sponge filter or low-output canister

Tips:

• Keep in groups of 6 or more for comfort and natural schooling behavior.

• Floating plants provide cover and reduce stress.

• Tank should have a tight-fitting lid — these fish are excellent jumpers.

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🔹 Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Best Foods: Small flakes, micro-pellets, frozen/live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, microworms).

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 small feedings daily; avoid overfeeding as they are surface feeders.

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🔹 Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful and non-aggressive; may be shy around boisterous tankmates.

• Best suited for community tanks with other peaceful species.

• Active near the surface; enjoy observing movement and feeding at the top.

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🧭 Tank Mate Guide

✅ Compatible Species

• Small tetras (neon, ember, cardinal tetras)

• Corydoras catfish

• Small peaceful rasboras

• Otocinclus catfish

• Shrimp and snails

⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With

• Aggressive or fast-moving fish

• Large fish that may prey on hatchetfish

• Open-top tanks (risk of jumping)

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🐣 Breeding Info

• Spawning Method: Egg scatterer; floating plants help protect eggs.

• Parental Care: None — adults may eat eggs.

• Fry Care: Feed infusoria or liquid fry food, then baby brine shrimp.

• Stable water conditions are essential for successful breeding.

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🌿 Fun Facts

• Named for their unique hatchet-shaped bodies and marbled pattern.

• Excellent surface swimmers; will often “skate” along the top.

• Very sensitive to water quality; keeping them in calm, planted tanks improves health and coloration.