Edit Chela cachius
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Name
Scientific name
Chela cachius
Described by
Authority Hamilton, Year 1822, Bracketed
Family
Cyprinidae
Common names
Neon Hatchet Fish
Photograph credits
All 3 credited
Summary
The neon hatchet fish, Chela cachius, is a deep-bodied cyprinid mostly recorded from the Ganges and Brahmaputra systems of India and Bangla…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
50mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 90 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 18–24°C, pH 6–8
Hardness
2–12dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Brahmaputra, Dibru, Ganges, Jamuna
Writing
Etymology
Chela: from a local vernacular name for the fish. cachius: from Kachhi a Bengali vernacular name for this species.
Distribution
Widespread in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar although the majority of records are from the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems in northern Ind…
Habitat
Something of a habitat generalist, this species has been collected from rivers, streams, ponds, oxbows, canals, ditches, beels, and tanks.
Aquarium size
An active species so even a small group needs an aquarium with minimum base dimensions of 90 ∗ 30 cm.
Maintenance
Choice of décor is not especially critical though it tends to show better colouration in a heavily-planted set-up with a dark substrate. The addition of some f…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Wild fish are likely to feed on aquatic invertebrates and suchlike. In the aquarium it's unfussy and will accept just about anything offered. Offer a balanced …
Behaviour and compatibility
Not an aggressive fish but may intimidate slow-moving or timid tankmates with its constant activity and vigorous feeding behaviour, meaning it's most appropria…
Sexual dimorphism
Not written yet
Reproduction
Unrecorded.
Notes
This species is is unlikely to be confused with any related species given its extremely deep body which fits approximately 3.2-4.6 times in the standard length…
References
References
3 on this profile