Carnegiella schereri facts for kids

The silver hatchetfish (scientific name: Carnegiella schereri) is a tiny, shiny fish that lives in the rivers of the Amazon Basin in Peru and Brazil. It's known for its unique hatchet-like body shape, which helps it glide across the water's surface. This fish is often kept as a pet in home aquariums and is also called the dwarf hatchetfish or Scherer's hatchetfish. It usually grows to about 2.6 centimeters (1 inch) long.

What is a Hatchetfish?

Hatchetfish are a special type of freshwater fish. They belong to a family called Gasteropelecidae. These fish are famous for their deep, narrow bodies that look a bit like a hatchet blade. This shape helps them move quickly, especially near the water's surface.

Where They Live

The silver hatchetfish makes its home in the warm, slow-moving waters of the Amazon Basin. This huge river system flows through several South American countries, including Peru and Brazil. They prefer areas with lots of plants and floating leaves, where they can hide and find food.

What They Look Like

This little fish has a bright, silvery body that shines in the water. Its most noticeable feature is its deep chest and flat sides, which give it that "hatchet" look. This body shape is perfect for living near the surface of the water.

How It Got Its Name

The scientific name Carnegiella schereri was given to this fish in honor of William G. Scherer. He was an Evangelical Missionary who lived in Pebas, Peru. Mr. Scherer was also a keen collector of fish. He found the very first silver hatchetfish specimen that scientists studied and shared many other fish from the Peruvian Amazon. The scientist Augustín Fernández-Yépez officially named the fish in 1950.

Silver Hatchetfish as Pets

Because of their small size and interesting behavior, silver hatchetfish are popular pets for home aquariums. They are peaceful fish that enjoy living in groups.

Keeping Them in an Aquarium

• Tank Size: They need an aquarium that is at least 10 gallons (about 38 liters).
• Water Conditions: They prefer soft, slightly acidic water, similar to their natural Amazon home.
• Tank Mates: They get along well with other small, peaceful fish.
• Food: They mostly eat tiny insects and other small creatures that fall onto the water's surface. In an aquarium, they can eat flakes or small pellets.
• Surface Dwellers: These fish spend almost all their time at the very top of the water. They are known for their ability to jump out of the water, so a tight-fitting lid on the aquarium is a must!

See also

In Spanish: Carnegiella schereri para niños