Albino Silver Hatchetfish

Gasteropelecus sternicla

A Rare Albino Surface-Dweller with a Unique Hatchet-Shaped Body

Details

Common Name: Albino Silver Hatchetfish, Albino Hatchetfish
Scientific Name: Gasteropelecus sternicla
Family: Gasteropelecidae
Origin: South America; albino specimens in the aquarium trade are generally captive-bred
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches
Diet: Omnivore / Micropredator
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Water Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Swimming Level: Surface / Upper level

Description

The Albino Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is a striking color variation of the popular Silver Hatchetfish. Its pale silver-to-creamy-white coloration, translucent fins, and reddish eyes give this unusual freshwater fish a distinctive appearance that stands out beautifully in a planted community aquarium.

Albino Silver Hatchetfish have the unmistakable deep, compressed body shape that gives hatchetfish their name. They spend most of their time directly beneath the water's surface, making them an excellent choice for adding activity to an area of the aquarium that many other fish rarely occupy.

These peaceful schooling fish are best kept in groups and look especially impressive when several individuals patrol the upper portion of the aquarium together.

Important: Hatchetfish are extremely capable jumpers. A tightly fitting aquarium lid with no large openings is strongly recommended.

Care Level

Easy to Moderate

Albino Silver Hatchetfish are relatively straightforward to maintain once established in a mature aquarium. They appreciate clean, stable water and a peaceful environment.

Because they can be shy when first introduced, floating plants and subdued areas near the surface can help them feel secure.

A secure lid is one of the most important requirements when keeping this species.

Temperament

Albino Silver Hatchetfish are peaceful schooling fish that work very well in community aquariums.

They should ideally be kept in groups of 6 or more, with larger groups providing a more natural schooling environment.

Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive, or highly boisterous fish that may intimidate them.

Good tank mates may include:

• Tetras

• Rasboras

• Corydoras

• Small peaceful plecos

• Apistogramma

• Rams

• Pencilfish

• Peaceful dwarf cichlids

• Other small community fish

Size

Adult Albino Silver Hatchetfish typically reach approximately 2–2.5 inches in length.

Their strongly compressed, deep-bodied shape makes them appear larger and more distinctive than many other fish of a similar length.

Lifespan

With excellent water quality, proper nutrition, and appropriate aquarium conditions, Albino Silver Hatchetfish can live approximately 3–5 years or longer.

Stable water conditions and minimizing unnecessary stress are important for long-term health.

Diet

Albino Silver Hatchetfish are primarily surface-oriented omnivores and micropredators.

They readily accept appropriately sized foods that remain near the surface, including:

• High-quality floating flakes

• Small floating pellets

• Frozen brine shrimp

• Frozen daphnia

• Small frozen foods

• Freeze-dried foods

• Small live foods

Because hatchetfish naturally feed near the surface, sinking foods may reach the bottom before they have an opportunity to eat them.

A varied diet helps support healthy growth, coloration, and overall condition.

Tank Size

A 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.

Longer aquariums are especially useful because this species spends most of its time swimming horizontally near the surface.

The aquarium should always have a tight-fitting lid, as hatchetfish can jump surprisingly far when startled.

Floating plants can provide additional security, but some open surface area should remain available for swimming and feeding.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 74–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Albino Silver Hatchetfish appreciate clean, stable aquarium conditions.

As with most tropical freshwater fish:

Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept as low as practical through regular aquarium maintenance

Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH, or water chemistry.

Behavior & Compatibility

One of the most interesting characteristics of the Albino Silver Hatchetfish is its preference for the very top of the aquarium.

Rather than swimming throughout the entire water column, these fish often remain just beneath the surface while waiting for food.

When maintained in a group, they create an attractive school across the upper portion of the aquarium.

They are peaceful and generally ignore other community fish.

For a well-balanced aquarium, they can be combined with mid-water schooling fish and bottom-dwelling species such as Corydoras.

Avoid aggressive tank mates or fish large enough to view them as prey.

Notes

The Albino Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for an unusual surface-dwelling schooling fish.

Their pale albino coloration contrasts beautifully against planted aquariums, darker backgrounds, and natural wood.

Important Jumping Warning

Hatchetfish are among the aquarium hobby's most accomplished jumpers.

Always keep the aquarium securely covered.

Check openings around filters, heaters, airline tubing, and feeding ports to make sure the fish cannot escape.

FAQ

How many Albino Silver Hatchetfish should I keep together?

They are schooling fish and should generally be kept in groups of at least 6, although larger groups of 8 or more can produce more natural behavior and help the fish feel secure.

Do Albino Hatchetfish jump?

Yes. Hatchetfish are exceptional jumpers and may leap from the aquarium when frightened or startled. A tight-fitting aquarium lid is essential.

Are Albino Silver Hatchetfish aggressive?

No. They are peaceful fish and are generally excellent residents for calm community aquariums.

What part of the aquarium do they swim in?

Albino Silver Hatchetfish spend the majority of their time at the surface and uppermost portion of the aquarium.

What should I feed Albino Silver Hatchetfish?

Offer small floating foods such as quality flakes and floating micro-pellets along with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Foods that stay near the surface are especially suitable.

Albino Silver Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) are a rare and eye-catching addition to peaceful freshwater aquariums, bringing constant activity and an unusual body shape to the upper level of the tank.