Archer fish - Toxotes jaculatrix

Scientific name: Toxotes jaculatrix

Common name: Archer fish

Family: Toxotidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 15 - 25 cm (5.91 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness: 12 - 18°N (214.29 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 25 - 30 °C (77 - 86°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Short description

The Archer fish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is famous for its unique hunting behavior: it shoots down insects by spitting precise jets of water. In aquaria, it requires brackish water, open surface space, and a secure lid, as it is an excellent jumper. Its active personality and unusual feeding strategy make it a fascinating but specialized species for experienced keepers.

Origin

Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines). Found in mangroves, estuaries, and coastal rivers where fresh and salt water mix.

Food and feeding

Archer fish are carnivorous surface hunters. They eat live insects, small crustaceans, and worms. In captivity, offer crickets, flies, mealworms, small shrimp, bloodworms, and floating pellets. They may also learn to accept frozen foods at the surface, but live prey best stimulates their natural behavior. Do not rely on flakes alone.

Sexing

No reliable external differences are known between males and females. Females may become slightly rounder when full of eggs.

Breeding

There are no confirmed, repeatable reports of Toxotes jaculatrix breeding in home aquaria. In the wild, they migrate to brackish coastal areas where spawning occurs. Fry are extremely small and difficult to raise.

Lifespan

With proper care, Archer fish can live 5–8 years, occasionally up to 10 years in large, well-maintained aquaria.

Behavior & compatibility

Archer fish are territorial with their own kind unless raised together in a spacious tank. They are usually peaceful toward other species of similar size, but may prey on smaller tank mates. Best kept either singly or in small groups in a large brackish setup.

Tank requirements

Tank size: minimum 250 L for a small group, with a long tank for swimming space.
Aquascape: open surface area, strong filtration, decor of driftwood and mangrove roots; avoid dense floating cover.
Water: slightly brackish – SG 1.005–1.015, pH 7–8, hard water preferred.
Temperature: warm tropical, 25–30 °C (77–86 °F).
Cover: tight-fitting lid, as Archer fish are jumpers and surface hunters.

Special note

Archer fish thrive only in brackish water setups. Keeping them in long-term freshwater often leads to poor health and shortened lifespan. They are best suited for experienced aquarists willing to maintain stable salinity and provide live foods.