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Triportheus angulatus

Dusky Narrow Hatchetfish

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Last revised 2026Edit this page

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Triportheus angulatus
Triportheus angulatusJJPhoto

Quick factsEdit

Max size
165mm SL6in SL
Aquarium size
120 × 30cm48 × 12in
Temp
22–30°C72–86°F
pH
5.0–7.5
Hardness
0–20dGH

Difficulty5 of 8 measures

Easy

How the rating is worked out

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

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Inhabits river channels where it can be seen swimming in shoals above sandy substrates.

Aquarium size

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Standard length
165mm SL6in SL
Aquarium base
120 × 30cm48 × 12in
Volume
~108litres~29US gal

120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~108 litres~29 US gal.

Maintenance

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Surface 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

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Temperature
22–30°C72–86°F
pH
5.0–7.5
Hardness
0–20dGH

Temperature: 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.

Omnivorous 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

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A 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

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Unknown.

Reproduction

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Not thought to have been achieved in aquaria.

Notes

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An 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.

Distribution

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