Pygmy Hatchetfish

Carnegiella myersi is the smallest of all hatchetfish, rarely exceeding 2.5 cm, making it one of the tiniest surface-dwelling fish available to aquarists. Despite its diminutive size, it carries the full hatchet-shaped deep body profile of its family and displays a fine dark lateral stripe running from snout to caudal base on a silver background.

As a nano fish, C. myersi is best kept in species or near-species aquariums alongside equally small and peaceful tankmates. Its tiny size makes it vulnerable to even mildly boisterous or large fish. A well-planted nano tank with floating vegetation, dark substrate, and very soft acidic water suits it perfectly.

Feeding requires attention: its small mouth demands micro-sized floating foods. Baby brine shrimp nauplii, micro-worms near the surface, and fine floating micro-pellets are the best choices. Ensure a secure, tight-fitting lid at all times, as these fish are agile jumpers.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 5.0–7.0, soft (GH 1–8, KH 0–4); blackwater conditions beneficial. Tank: 40 L minimum; tight-fitting lid essential; floating plants; very gentle surface flow. Feeding: Baby brine shrimp nauplii, micro-worms, finest floating micro-pellets. Breeding: Very rarely achieved in captivity; requires ultra-soft acidic water. Compatibility: Nano species only — ember tetras, small pencilfish, dwarf shrimp; no boisterous tankmates.