Fin's Fish Guide
The Hatchet tetra (Thoracocharax stellatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Gasteropelecidae that grows up to 7 cm.
South America; just below the surface of rivers and creeks of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
Description
The spotfin hatchetfish is a South American characin of the freshwater hatchetfish family (Gasteropelecidae) from the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a conspicuously deep, hatchet-shaped breast with greatly enlarged pectoral muscles and a nearly straight back, characteristic of the hatchetfishes. It lives just below the water surface of rivers and creeks. When threatened it can shoot out of the water with powerful beats of its large pectoral fins and 'fly' a stretch over the surface to evade predators. As a surface hunter it feeds on insects and small zooplankton. The species is popular in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hatchet tetra?
The Hatchet tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, hatchet-shaped breast with powerful pectoral fin muscles; can shoot out of the water and 'fly' over the surface.
Where does the Hatchet tetra live?
The Hatchet tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America; just below the surface of rivers and creeks of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
How big does the Hatchet tetra get?
The Hatchet tetra grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Hatchet tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Hatchet tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Hatchet tetra edible?
The Hatchet tetra is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Thoracocharax
More from the family Gasteropelecidae
Want the complete picture on the Hatchet tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hatchet tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.