The Marbled Hatchetfish is a surface hugging species from tropical blackwater environments, where there is an abundance of driftwood,  overhanging vegetation, and leaf litter. The home aquarium should be biologically mature and well filtered, but water movement should be kept as gentle as possible. Soft, acidic water is essential, and this can be helped along with the addition of peat to the aquarium filter. Dark decor and plenty of bogwood, caves, and planting  including floating species  will all help these fish to feel secure. It is imperative that the tank has tight fitting coverslides as these fish are highly skilled jumpers; and do ensure there are no escape holes where equipment feeds into the tank (block  gaps with filter sponge). Marbled Hatchetfish are a timid shoaling species, which congregate in large numbers in nature