Indian Hatchet Chela

Chela cachius, the Indian Hatchet Chela, is a slender, surface-oriented danionid distributed across the large river systems of India and Bangladesh. It is a moderately small fish with a noticeably flattened ventral profile — giving it a somewhat hatchet-like cross-section — and a highly polished, gleaming silver body that reflects light vividly as it moves near the water surface.

In the aquarium it is a peaceful and undemanding species that occupies the upper water column, complementing mid- and lower-level community fish without competing with them for space. It forms loose schools and engages in typical danionid surface patrolling behaviour. A tight lid is essential as it is capable of jumping.

The Indian Hatchet Chela is infrequently seen in the hobby despite its wide natural range and easy care requirements, making it an interesting and rewarding species for keepers who enjoy exploring beyond the standard beginner fish. Its shimmering silver colouration is understated but undeniably elegant.

Water: Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 5–15; adaptable and hardy; regular water changes maintain health. Tank: Minimum 60 L; tightly covered tank; surface planting with floating plants provides security; gentle flow. Feeding: Surface-feeding omnivore; floating flake, micro-pellets, and live or frozen daphnia and brine shrimp taken readily. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; follows standard danionid breeding approach; not regularly bred by hobbyists. Compatibility: Peaceful with all similarly sized non-aggressive community fish; excellent with mid-level rasboras, small tetras, and loaches.