Hobbies And Interests
Saltwater Hatchet Fish
Saltwater hatchet fish are members of the Sternoptychidae family of deep sea fishes. Found in most temperate waters of the world, hatchet fish live 600 to 4,500 feet deep. hatchet fish have unique light-producing organs that create a chemical reaction called photophores. Illuminating light from their under-body helps the hatchet fish find food and mates, and it confuses predator fish lurking below.
Unique Features
Saltwater hatchet fish range in size from 1 to 6 inches. Most of the smaller species of hatchet fish are covered with delicate silvery scales, while the larger species can be brown and green. Hatchet fish have large, tubular, light-sensitive eyes that point upward enabling them to find food more easily. Their mouths also point upward, allowing the fish to feed on downward drifting plant matter and algae. Scientists believe the saltwater hatchet fish lifespan is approximately one year.
Common Freshwater Hatchet Fish
The common freshwater hatchet fish live near heavy vegetation in the slow-moving streams of South America. They are also a popular fish tank pet because they are a hardy species, possessing a mild manner that makes them a compatible tank mate to many types of tropical fish. Growing up to 3 inches, they come in a variety of colors ranging from silver, olive brown, iridescent green to iridescent blue.
Hatchet Fish Are Know to Fly
The freshwater hatchet fish are top feeders that will eat a variety of foods including mosquito larvae, mosquitoes and small flying insects. Freshwater hatchet fish have large pectoral fins enabling them to leap completely out of the water to capture insects. Hatchet fish are also called "flying fish" because they literally flap their pectoral fins to aid in their flying leap. Captive tank dwellers require a secure tank lid to prevent escape.