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The Marbled Hatchetfish, Carnegiella strigata, is a freshwater ray-finned fish native to South America. It is usually around 35 mm in length, and unusually shaped. It has gold line that extends from its eye to its caudal fin and the area below has a brown and cream colored marble-like pattern (hence its name). It can "fly" above the surface of the water by flapping its pectoral fins. The Marbled Hatchetfish is very common in the aquarium industry. Like most Amazonian fish, it prefers softer, acidic water. Hatchets usually occupy the top portion of the tank and can be shy at feeding times just after they've been introduced. However, given some time and proper water conditions, they will be less hasty. As with most Characins (see Characidae), they are omnivores and prefer a varied diet, including live or frozen food, and vegetables. However, they will not swim to the bottom to eat so all food must float. Hatchets have a tendency to be shy fish and are easily intimidated by larger or fast moving fish, so they are only appropriate for very peaceful communities or species tanks. They will also be happier if they don't have to share the top portion of the tank with any other fish and if kept in schools of at least three. They like plants with long trailing leaves to hide under. It is absolutely necessary for tanks inhabited by these beautiful fish to have a tight lid, as they can and will jump when startled. Marbled Hatchetfish are somewhat difficult to breed and are egg scatterers.
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