Martha Hatchetfish

Carnegiella marthae

Martha Hatchetfish (Carnegiella marthae) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 15.9 US gal min; aim for 75–82°F and pH 5.5–7.2. Details below match the app.

Martha Hatchetfish (Carnegiella marthae) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size15.9 US gal min
pH range5.5–7.2
Temperature75–82°F
Max size1.4 in (3.5 cm)
Captive lifespan5–10 years
SchoolingYes · 8+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

South America

  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Martha Hatchetfish Tank Setup

Plan for at least 15.9 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 75–82°F and pH 5.5–7.2 without daily drama. These fish use the Top zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Martha Hatchetfishs Eat?

We record diet as Omnivore (insects). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Martha Hatchetfish Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Peaceful. Excellent jumper; tight lid required Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Martha Hatchetfishs Good for Beginners?

Often a sensible first fish once the tank is cycled and you are willing to test water sometimes. Skip the impulse buy on the same day you set up the tank.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.