Archer Fish (Toxotes jaculatrix) Care Guide

Famous for its ability to shoot jets of water at insects perched on branches above the water surface. A brackish water species with a sleek silver body and bold black bands.

Overview

Toxotes jaculatrix is a species in the family Toxotidae. Famous for its ability to shoot jets of water at insects perched on branches above the water surface. A brackish water species with a sleek silver body and bold black bands. Intelligent and interactive, requiring a paludarium-style setup for best results.

Taxonomy

Family: Toxotidae
Genus: Toxotes
Scientific name: Toxotes jaculatrix
Other names: Banded Archerfish
Origin: Southeast Asia, Australia

Habitat

Toxotes jaculatrix lives in mangrove estuaries, river mouths and brackish coastal waters from Southeast Asia to northern Australia. It is famous for spitting jets of water to knock terrestrial insects from overhanging vegetation into the water.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 24-30 °C
pH: 7-8.5
GH: 10-25 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 15-25 cm
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 4
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: top
Compatible tank mates: Monos, Scats, Large Gobies
Avoid with: Small Fish, Freshwater-Only Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced