. 🐟 Largescale Archerfish (Toxotes chatareus)
. 🐟 Largescale Archerfish (Toxotes chatareus)
Surface Hunter • Brackish-to-Marine Giant • Famous Water-Spitting Predator
📋 The Largescale Archerfish (Toxotes chatareus) is the largest species of archerfish, reaching up to 16". It is instantly recognizable by its large, irregular black blotches and its larger scales, distinguishing it from the slimmer Banded Archerfish (T. jaculatrix).
Like all archerfish, it is famous for its ability to spit jets of water to knock down insects and prey from overhanging vegetation. These fish are active, fast, and require very large aquariums with open surface space.
Juveniles are often kept in brackish setups, but adults thrive in high brackish to marine water. Because of their size and activity, they are best suited for advanced aquarists with large display tanks.
💡 Highlights
✨ Largest Archerfish species – up to 16"
⚪ Powerful water-spitting behavior – unique hunting style
📏 Needs very large aquariums – 130 gallons+
✅ Peaceful schooling predator – thrives in groups of 4+
🐠 Brackish-to-marine transition required – advanced care
🧾 A Quick Look at the Largescale Archerfish
📛 Common Name: Largescale Archerfish / Seven-spot Archerfish
🔬 Scientific Name: Toxotes chatareus
👨👩👧 Family: Toxotidae
🌍 Origin: South & Southeast Asia, Northern Australia (estuaries, mangroves, rivers)
📏 Max Size: 35 – 40 cm (≈ 14 – 16")
💧 pH Range: 7.0 – 8.0
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 30 °C (75 – 86 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Advanced (large tank, brackish-to-marine transition)
💖 Temperament: Peaceful schooling predator, but eats small fish
🪸 Reef Safe: No – will prey on smaller inverts and fish
🏠 Min Tank Size: 500 L (130 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Surface dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
🍽️ Diet: Carnivore (insects, crustaceans, small fish)
🐣 Reproduction: Not bred in captivity; wild spawner
