Can bichirs live with hatchetfish?

Verdict
No

No. Bichirs and hatchetfish should not share a tank. An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.5 inches hatchetfish do.

BichirBichir72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5 HatchetfishHatchetfish75–81°F · pH 5.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–81°Bichir 72–82°Hatchetfish 75–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Bichir 6.5–7.5Hatchetfish 5.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Bichir · 12 inHatchetfish · 1.5 in0"2"4"6"8"10"12"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

BichirHatchetfish
Temperature72–82 °F75–81 °F
pH6.5–7.55.5–7.5
Adult size12.0 in1.5 in
Minimum tank75 gal20 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomTop
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietCarnivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for bichirs

All bichir tank mates

Better tank mates for hatchetfish

All hatchetfish tank mates

Questions

Can bichirs live with hatchetfish?

No. Bichirs and hatchetfish should not share a tank. An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 1.5 inches hatchetfish do.

What temperature suits both bichirs and hatchetfish?

75–81 °F. Bichirs need 72–82 °F, hatchetfish need 75–81 °F.

What size tank do bichirs and hatchetfish need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the bichir. Add space for each extra fish.