Chela cachius

Chela cachius, sometimes called the Silver Hatchet Chela, is a slender cyprinid from slow-moving rivers and tanks (man-made irrigation reservoirs) across India and Bangladesh. Its elongated body has a distinctive dorsal profile that gives it a faintly hatchet-like silhouette, and the flanks carry a reflective silver-blue iridescence. It is an upper-water schooler that cruises the surface and near-surface zone, darting readily when startled. A tight lid is important. In the aquarium it thrives in soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic water with gentle flow and floating plants that provide cover and reduce jumpiness. It accepts small floating foods readily. Groups of ten or more are recommended to produce confident schooling behaviour. Peaceful with all similarly small community companions.

Water: Temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 3–12; soft to moderate; gentle flow. Tank: 45 L minimum; floating plants; secure lid; minimal strong current. Feeding: Small floating flake, micro-pellet, frozen baby brine shrimp, and cyclops. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; spawns near surface; remove parents post-spawning. Compatibility: Peaceful nano species; good with rasboras, small tetras, and corydoras.