[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Characoids – Silver Hatchetfish (Thoracocharax securis)

Depending on the literature consulted, there is either one species in this genus (T securis) or two, if T. stellatus is accepted as a valid species. Both appear almost identical, although T. stellatus has a black spot on the base of the dorsal fin and two or three rows of almost microscopic scales along the base of the anal fin. Thoracocharax securis lacks the spot and has five to six rows of tiny scales. Thoracocharax can be distinguished from Gasteropelecus by the more pronounced chest profile, whose anterior edge is almost vertical in Thoracocharax and more gently sloping in Gasteropelecus.

Other common name

• Pectorosus Hatchetfish

Synonyms

• Gasteropelecus securis, Thoracocharax stellatus, T. pectorosus

Family

• Gasteropelecidae

Distribution

• If T. stellatus is regarded as synonymous with T. securis, widespread in central South America; if not, middle/upper parts of the Amazon basin.

Size

• Around 3/2in (9cm).

Behavior

• Peaceful shoaler; should not be kept with boisterous tankmates.

Diet

• Wide range of floating foods accepted; sinking foods usually ignored once they float down.

Aquarium

• Well covered, well filtered tank, with some clear spaces on the surface recommended. Provide plant thickets and some floating plants as shelter. Softish, slightly acid water preferred, as is a water current (produced via the outlet of a power filter or power head). Temperature range: 73-86 F (23-30 C).

Breeding

• No documented accounts currently available.