What size tank do marbled hatchetfish need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Carnegiella strigata.
How many marbled hatchetfish in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if marbled hatchetfish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many marbled hatchetfish |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 16 |
| 29 gallon | up to 23 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 32 |
| 55 gallon | up to 45 |
| 75 gallon | 60 or more |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check marbled hatchetfish against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, marbled hatchetfish hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
- This is a jumper. Use a lid with no gaps.
Tank mates for marbled hatchetfish
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Rummy-nose tetra
- Lemon tetra
- Sterba's corydoras
- Clown pleco
- Kuhli loach
- Cardinal tetra
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
Poor matches
- Guppy: They need different water: Marbled hatchetfish likes a pH of 5.5–7, guppy likes 7–8.2.
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat marbled hatchetfish (about 1.4 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as marbled hatchetfish.
Questions and answers
What size tank do marbled hatchetfish need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many marbled hatchetfish should be kept together?
At least 6. Marbled hatchetfish are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can marbled hatchetfish live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Marbled hatchetfish needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do marbled hatchetfish need?
75–82 °F (24–28 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7. In most homes that means a heater.
Can marbled hatchetfish live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 20 gallons (76 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.