What do hatchet fish eat?
Common hatchetfish are devout carnivores; vegetative matter does not, to any appreciable measure, factor into their natural dietary regimen. Feed protein-rich flakes, brine shrimp, tubifex, bloodworms, or small, floating, carnivore pellets.
What family are hatchetfish?
family Gasteropelecidae
Hatchetfish, any member of two unrelated groups of hatchet-shaped fishes—deep-sea forms of the family Sternoptychidae or freshwater fishes of the family Gasteropelecidae. Deep-sea hatchetfishes are small, shining silver fishes.
What does a hatchet fish look like?
The deep sea hatchetfish gets its name from the distinct hatchet-like shape of its body. Most of the smaller hatchetfish species are covered in delicate silvery scales. Some species, including the giant hatchetfish can be brown or dark green in color. Hatchetfishes have large, tubular eyes that pointing upward.
Why do hatchetfish jump?
The fish gets its name from its relatively large protruding belly which resembles a hatchet. Hatchetfish will often jump out of the water when alarmed, propelled by their large, winglike pectoral fins. They also jump to catch small aerial insects.
Do hatchet fish go to school?
The river hatchetfish is a schooling species best kept in groups of five or more that spends most of its time in the top-level of the water where it searches for food. These fish are peaceful towards other fishes, but frequently bicker among themselves.
How did the hatchet fish get its name?
The deep sea hatchetfish gets its name from the distinct hatchet-like shape of its body. It is a member of the Sternoptychidae family of deep sea fishes. There are about 45 individual species of hatchetfish that vary in size from one to six inches.
Where do hatchet fish live in the world?
The hatchetfish comprise the family Gasteropelecidae. Containing three genera and nine species, this family is endemic to Central and South America; native habitats include rivers, swamps, and calm pools throughout the Amazon and its riverine tributaries and headwaters.
How are hatchetfish used in the deep sea?
Deep Sea Hatchetfish (Argyropelecus gigas) These photophores produce light by means of a chemical reaction similar to that of the land-based firefly. Since these light organs point downward, it is believed they are used to hide the fish from predators through the process of counterillumination.
How big does a giant hatchet fish get?
This giant of the family grows to an impressive six inches (12 centimeters) in length. Most of the smaller hatchetfish species are covered in delicate silvery scales. Some species, including the giant hatchetfish can be brown or dark green in color.