🐟 Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix)
🐟 Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix)
Surface Hunter • Brackish-to-Marine Display Fish • Unique Behavior Species
📋 The Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is famous for its extraordinary hunting technique: it spits powerful jets of water to knock down insects resting on plants above the surface. Its silver body with bold vertical black bands makes it an attractive display fish in large brackish aquariums.
Archerfish are surface dwellers and should be housed in tall aquariums with space above the waterline if you wish to observe their natural hunting behavior. They are schooling fish and do best in groups of 4 or more.
For long-term care, Archerfish require brackish water, with some populations adapting well to full marine aquaria. Their unique feeding style and peaceful schooling nature make them centerpiece fish for advanced aquarists.
💡 Highlights
✨ Shoots water to hunt insects – unique natural behavior
⚪ Bold vertical banding – striking appearance
📏 Large display fish – grows up to 12"
✅ Peaceful schooling predator – thrives in groups
🐠 Brackish-to-marine adaptable – versatile species
🧾 A Quick Look at the Archerfish
📛 Common Name: Archerfish / Banded Archerfish
🔬 Scientific Name: Toxotes jaculatrix
👨👩👧 Family: Toxotidae
🌍 Origin: Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, Indo-Pacific mangroves & estuaries
📏 Max Size: 25 – 30 cm (≈ 10 – 12")
💧 pH Range: 7.0 – 8.0
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 30 °C (75 – 86 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate – requires brackish/marine & live food options
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling predator
🪸 Reef Safe: No – may prey on small tank inhabitants
🏠 Min Tank Size: 300 L (75 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Surface-dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
🍽️ Diet: Carnivore (insects, crustaceans, small fish)
🐣 Reproduction: Not common in captivity; occurs in brackish estuaries

















