The strange narrow hatchetfish of the genus Triportheus belong to the flying fishes of freshwater. This is already indicated by the mighty pectoral keel with the muscles attached to it and the very long pectoral fins. The fish are predominantly silvery colored and grow to about 15 cm in length, which is why they are only suitable for owners of large aquariums. Here, however, they enliven very much the upper area and are therefore excellent company fish e.g. for catfishes, cichlids or silver dollars.
The identification of the 16 species is tricky and there have been many mix-ups in the past. We have received a species from Brazil that is most likely Triportheus rotundatus according to the current revision of the group by Malabarba 2004. This species is quite widespread in South America and colonizes practically the entire Amazon basin. With a maximum of 17.8 cm standard length (plus the tail fin) it belongs to the larger species of the genus.
The care is not difficult. Apart from the space requirement, it is best to keep the animals in larger groups, otherwise they become quarrelsome, like many other tetras. They will eat any common ornamental fish food, but only very reluctantly from the bottom. Water temperature can be between 22 and 28°C, chemical water composition is indifferent, any drinking water is suitable for keeping. The sexes hardly differ, females grow larger.
For our customers: the fish have code 298703 on our stock list. Please note that we supply only wholesale.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
