Silver Hatchet Fish too imposing for tetras??

[8isenuf]

We had the 6 Red Phantom Tetras for a week or so in the tank, they are small/young, and did very well. A few days ago, we introduced the Hatchet Fish to the tank, larger fish, but appear to be docile, the tetras are just hovering above the gravel, not swimming around as they were, I am assuming this is because these "big" fish are swimming above them? will they adjust? or...was this not a good match? I kind of feel badly for them just skirting around the bottom of the tank when they DID have alot of fun in the bubble wall etc prior to the new fish?

Thanks, Wendy

 

[Squawkbert]

Hatchets aren't too aggressive, Tetras will probably adjust. Hatchets do tend to jump, so batten down the hatches.

 

[irishspy]

A few days ago, we introduced the Hatchet Fish to the tank, larger fish, but appear to be docile,

"Larger?" Hatchets are pretty small. Just to clarify, do you mean the common hatchetfish (sometimes called "silver"), or silver dollars?

 

[Sploke]

The common silver hatchets can get decent sized for small fish, I've seen them up to about 2" or so. The tetras should eventually adjust. I had marble hatchets in my 30gal for a while, they stay a bit smaller, and yes I did have issues with carpet-surfing efforts.

 

[8isenuf]

Yes they are the common hatchetfish, I guess I mean they are considerably larger than the young tetras I have, they are at least twice as big.

Wendy

 

[Lupin]

Thoracocharax stellatus is the largest hatchetfish I believe at 7-8 cm.

 

[Ruben Tolon]

hatchets are pretty peaceful, I'd worry more about the tetras trying to nip them than anything the other way around.