Description
Orange Hatchet; Neochela dadiburjori
**Water Parameters:**
– Temperature: 74°F – 80°F (23°C – 27°C).
– pH: 6.0 – 7.5.
– Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
**Tank Setup:**
– Provide ample floating plants or vegetation at the water surface to mimic their natural habitat and offer shaded areas.
– Use fine-gravel substrate or sand.
– Maintain a secure lid or cover to prevent jumping, as hatchetfish are known to be skilled jumpers.
**Feeding:**
– Offer a varied diet that includes high-quality flakes, pellets, and small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or insect larvae.
– Consider occasional supplementation with vegetable matter.
**Behavior and Compatibility:**
– Hatchetfish are generally peaceful and should be kept in groups of at least 6 or more to reduce stress.
– They can be skittish, so avoid keeping them with aggressive or overly active tankmates.
– Small, peaceful fish and other non-aggressive species are suitable tankmates.
**Water Maintenance:**
– Perform regular water changes of 20-30% to maintain water quality.
– Monitor water parameters, especially ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH levels.
**Lighting:**
– Provide subdued lighting, as hatchetfish prefer dimly lit environments.
**Breeding:**
– Breeding information for Neochela species may be limited. Generally, hatchetfish are egg scatterers, and a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop can encourage spawning behavior.
Please keep in mind that these are general guidelines for hatchetfish care, and specific care requirements for Neochela species may differ. If you have access to scientific literature or expert advice from experienced hobbyists who have kept Neochela species, I recommend consulting those sources for more accurate and detailed care information.