Carnegiella strigata (GÜNTHER, 1864) Marbled Hatchetfish
Currently accepted to have an enormous range throughout Amazonian Bolivia, Brazil, Peru and Colombia plus the Río Orinoco system in Venezuela and some coastal drainages in Guyana and possible Suriname. The majority of fish in the ornamental trade are collected in the rio Negro basin, Brazil. As one might expect from their wide distribution, there are several subspecies and coloration differences in this genera. Temperature: 20 – 28 °C. pH 4.0-7.0. Hardness: 18 – 179 ppm. These fish are primarily predators upon small terrestrial invertebrates and relish flightless gut-loaded drosophila and mosquito larvae, in my opinion. They can also have a high quality flake, as well, to round out their diet. They can also be fed smallish live foods like Artemia, Moina, Grindal worms, and also mosquito larvaeThis species must be kept in schools of 10 or more. Despite their beauty, unusual appearance and inoffensiveness, this little gem is not ideal for the average community tank due to its timidity and small size. Source: http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/carnegiella-strigata. This is one of my favorite characins!
