Pygmy Hatchetfish - Carnegiella myersi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Pygmy Hatchetfish (Carnegiella myersi) has emerged as a fascinating species within the aquarium hobby, attracting attention for its distinctive traits and engaging behaviours. This species stands out as a miniature marvel, captivating enthusiasts with its elegant swimming patterns and eye-catching aesthetics despite its diminutive stature. As the most diminutive member of the Hatchetfish family, the Pygmy Hatchetfish introduces a unique dynamic to specialized communities or aquascaped tanks.
Behaviorally, Pygmy Hatchetfish are characterized by their tranquil and non-confrontational nature. They exhibit a strong preference for shoaling, opting to navigate their aquatic environment in collective groups. To cater to their social preferences and promote their well-being, it is advised to house them in groups of at least eight individuals. This not only fosters a conducive environment for their social interactions but also helps mitigate stress by ensuring the presence of conspecifics.
Pygmy Hatchetfish are known for their serene disposition and are capable of harmoniously cohabitating with other diminutive, non-aggressive aquatic species. Suitable companions for these Hatchetfish include small Tetras, Rasboras, tranquil Dwarf Cichlids and Corydoras Catfish. It is advisable to steer clear of housing them alongside larger or more belligerent fish, which could potentially harass or pose a threat to them.
For those looking to replicate the Pygmy Hatchetfish's natural habitat, a well-planted aquarium featuring large plants that reach the surface is ideal. This setup offers ample hiding spaces, crucial for the fish's well-being. The aquarium should be mature and well-filtered, with subdued lighting to mimic their natural living conditions and avoid strong water currents. Given their propensity for jumping, a secure lid is essential to prevent escape.
Characterized by a deep-bodied, triangular shape, the Pygmy Hatchetfish boasts a silvery, semi-translucent body that may reveal part of its skeletal structure, adorned with a distinctive black lateral line extending from the top of its body to the caudal peduncle. Its fins are nearly transparent, adding to its ethereal appearance.
Pygmy Hatchetfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the gender of Pygmy Hatchetfish can present a challenge. However, it is observed that females exhibit a more rounded physique, particularly when observed from a dorsal perspective.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Carnegiella myersi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1950 |
| Other Names | Myersi Pygmy Hatchet, Myers Hatchetfish |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Gasteropelecidae |
| Genus | Carnegiella |
| Origins | Peru |
| Max Size | 2.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 5 - 20 |
| TDS | 18 - 110 |
| ℉ | 73 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Pygmy Hatchetfish is native to the Rio Huallaga Basin, located near Yurimaguas in the Loreto region of northern Peru, South America. This species thrives in clear, warm, and mildly acidic waters characterized by gentle currents and shallow depths.
A distinctive feature of their habitat is the presence of abundant aquatic vegetation, which the Pygmy Hatchetfish utilizes for concealment and protection. The dense flora not only offers sanctuary from potential predators but also serves as an advantageous environment for foraging. Within this verdant underwater landscape, the Pygmy Hatchetfish prey on small insects and invertebrates, exploiting the rich biodiversity provided by the aquatic plant life.
Breeding
The reproductive behaviour of the Pygmy Hatchetfish is both fascinating and complex, featuring a range of courtship rituals and egg-laying practices. During the courtship phase, males engage in elaborate displays aimed at attracting females, which include fin flaring, showcasing vivid colours, and executing synchronized swimming manoeuvres.
Upon winning the female's attention, the pair adopts a distinctive breeding approach, where the female deposits adhesive eggs on the underside of either floating or submerged vegetation, such as broad-leaved plants or fine-leaved mosses. This tactic not only shields the eggs from predators but also ensures an optimal environment for their growth.
Following egg deposition, the male assumes the role of protector, actively guarding the eggs and fanning them with his pectoral fins to promote adequate oxygenation. This level of parental involvement is vital for the eggs' viability and the subsequent emergence of the fry. After hatching, the fry becomes self-sufficient, with no further need for parental support.
Diet & Feeding
The dietary preferences of Pygmy Hatchetfish are indicative of their adaptive behaviours within their natural habitat. These diminutive freshwater fish exhibit a predilection for a diet consisting primarily of small insects and larvae, aligning with their surface-feeding tendencies. In captivity, their feeding regimen can be effectively managed through the provision of high-quality, commercially available flake foods supplemented with live or frozen prey such as daphnia or brine shrimp to mimic their natural dietary intake. This dietary approach not only ensures nutritional adequacy but also supports their health and vitality, fostering natural foraging behaviours and promoting overall well-being in a controlled environment.
