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Gasteropelecus levis, commonly known as the Silver Hatchetfish, is a small, freshwater fish belonging to the family Gasteropelecidae. It is renowned for its distinctive hatchet-shaped body, which is highly compressed laterally and deep ventrally, an adaptation for its unique surface-dwelling lifestyle. These fish are capable of 'flying' short distances above the water surface using their powerful pectoral fins, an escape mechanism from predators. They are schooling fish, typically found in the upper water column of slow-moving rivers and streams.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Silvery, often with a darker stripe running horizontally along the lateral line. The dorsal surface may be slightly darker, transitioning to a bright silver on the flanks and belly. Fins are generally hyaline (transparent).
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- superior
- Distinctive features
- Deep, hatchet-shaped body, highly compressed laterally, Large, muscular pectoral fins positioned high on the body, Adipose fin present, Superior mouth adapted for surface feeding
- Dorsal fin
- Small, located far back on the body, typically with 9-11 rays.
- Tail fin
- Forked, symmetrical, providing propulsion.
- Pectoral fin
- Extremely large and muscular, extending horizontally, used for 'flying' out of water. Contains 10-12 rays.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are very small and located far back, almost directly below the dorsal fin. Anal fin is long, originating near the middle of the body and extending to the caudal peduncle.
Identification Tips
Body Shape
Look for the extremely deep, laterally compressed body resembling a hatchet blade. This is the most defining characteristic.
Pectoral Fins
Observe the unusually large and muscular pectoral fins, positioned high on the body, which are disproportionately large compared to other fins.
Mouth Position
Note the upturned mouth, indicating its adaptation for feeding on insects at the water surface.
Coloration
The overall silvery coloration with a potential darker lateral stripe is typical.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Surface to shallow depths (upper water column)
- Environment
- Slow-moving rivers, streams, and tributaries, often in areas with dense overhanging vegetation and leaf litter. They prefer clear to blackwater conditions.
- Geographic range
- South America, specifically the Amazon River basin and its tributaries, including parts of Peru, Brazil, and the Guianas.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Temperature: 73-79°F (23-26°C)
- pH level: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibility: Excellent for community tanks with other peaceful, similarly sized fish. Avoid housing with aggressive or fin-nipping species. Best kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Special requirements: Requires a well-covered aquarium as they are prone to jumping. A diet rich in protein (small insects, larvae) is essential. They prefer subdued lighting and surface vegetation for cover.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: No specific seasonal patterns for availability; present year-round in their natural habitat.
- Market price: Low
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Not typically consumed
- Texture: Not typically consumed
- Nutritional value: Not typically consumed
Key Facts
Flying Fish of Freshwateramazing
Silver Hatchetfish are famous for their ability to 'fly' out of the water for short distances, using their powerful pectoral fins to escape predators. This is not true flight but rather a sustained glide.
Pectoral Muscle Powerhousebehavior
Their unusually large and muscular pectoral fins are supported by a greatly enlarged sternal region, which houses the powerful muscles necessary for their aerial escapes.
Surface Dwellerbehavior
These fish are obligate surface dwellers, spending almost their entire lives in the top few centimeters of the water column, where they hunt for terrestrial insects.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Gasteropelecus levis are highly social fish and thrive in large schools, which provides them with safety in numbers against predators.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices. They are delicate and should be handled gently to avoid stress or injury. They are not known to bite or possess any defensive spines.
Similar Species
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Gasteropelecus levis lacks the distinct dark, marbled or zigzag patterns found on the flanks of Carnegiella strigata. G. levis is generally larger and has a more uniformly silver body.
Common Hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Gasteropelecus levis is typically more slender and less deep-bodied than G. sternicla. G. sternicla often has a more pronounced dark stripe or blotch along its side, whereas G. levis is more uniformly silver.
Pygmy Hatchetfish
Carnegiella myersi
Gasteropelecus levis is significantly larger than C. myersi. C. myersi also exhibits distinct dark markings that are absent in G. levis.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Characiformes
- Family
- Gasteropelecidae
- Genus
- Gasteropelecus
- Species
- levis
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