Chela cachius, a Danionin known as the Neon Hatchet Fish is one of the plainest members of the Chela Genus, it is rarely seen in the aquarist hobby. Its name comes from the colours that reflect off it in sunlight but out of the glare of the sun it is a plain silver fish. Barbels are not present. Endemic in South Asia, it is found in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Like most Danionins, this fish has a tendency to jump. A tight fitting lid with no gaps is recommended for keeping them captive.

Research in 2001 by Fang Fang suggests that the Genus Chela is closely related to the Devarios.

• Maximum length: 2 in (6 cm)
• Colors: silver
• Temperature preference: 22-26 degrees Celsius
• pH preference: typically 6.8-7.5
• Hardness preference: Soft to medium
• Salinity preference: Zero
• Compatibility: Suitable for mixing with other small fish
• Life span: Typically 1 to 3 years
• Ease of keeping: Moderate
• Ease of breeding: Moderate to hard

Former Names and Synonyms

• Chela anastoma
• Chela cachius

See also

• Danios

External links

• Chela cachius

References

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• Abstract of Fang, F., 2003. Phylogenetic analysis of the Asian cyprinid genus Danio (telesotei, Cyprinidae).. Copeia (4):714-728.