Triportheus angulatus
Dusky Narrow Hatchetfish
Last revised 2026Edit this page
On this page11 sections
Quick factsEdit
Difficulty5 of 8 measures
- Space
- large tank
- Water
- flexible
- Temp
- flexible
- Diet
- unknown
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Social
- needs to be in a group
- Compatibility
- unknown
Other demands
Each of these can raise the rating on its own, whatever the measures above say.
- Hardiness
- unknown
The dusky narrow hatchetfish, Triportheus angulatus, is a characin from Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina. Common in many native habitats, where it is known as sardina, it is not often seen in the hobby. Very strong pectoral muscles let it leap several metres from the water to catch flying insects, and it should always be kept in a group.
Distribution
EditHabitat
Write a noteEditInhabits river channels where it can be seen swimming in shoals above sandy substrates.
Aquarium size
Write a noteEdit120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~108 litres~29 US gal.
Maintenance
Write a noteEditSurface area is more important than depth as it needs a lot of swimming space and will be found just under the water surface most of the time. Some floating vegetation will help to make it less skittish, and the water should be well oxygenated. Make sure the tank is very well covered as it can leap surprising distances.
Water conditions
EditTemperature: 22 – 30 °C72 – 86 °F
pH: 5.0-7.5, depending on locality.
Hardness: 0-20°H
These recommendations come from this profile’s own figures. They contain affiliate links, so we may earn a commission.
Diet
Write a noteEditOmnivorous in nature; feeding on most things that drop onto the water surface such as insects, fruits, nuts and seeds. In the aquarium it proves unfussy and will accept most live, frozen and dried foods. Bear in mind that generally it will only feed from the surface.
Behaviour and compatibility
Write a noteEditA peaceful species, but its adult size and active nature may disturb much smaller or quieter tankmates. It makes a good shoaling species for communities of South American cichlids such as Geophagus and Satanoperca species, and also does well with other similarly-sized characins and catfish. It's a shoaling species by nature and should always be kept in a group.
Sexual dimorphism
Write a noteEditUnknown.
Reproduction
Write a noteEditNot thought to have been achieved in aquaria.
Notes
EditAn attractive but not often seen species in the hobby. This is quite odd considering how common it is in many of its native habitats, where it is known as sardina. It has very strong pectoral muscles, and uses these to jump from the water to catch flying insects or to escape potential predators. It can make leaps of several metres in length.
Species images · 3
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Also missing: taxonomic authority, etymology.
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