Archerfish are one of the most fascinating fish in the aquarium world. Famous for their ability to shoot jets of water to knock insects off branches, they are intelligent, skilled hunters with unique behavior rarely seen in home aquariums.

Most commonly kept species belong to the genus Toxotes.

This complete guide covers everything about archerfish—species, care requirements, tank setup, feeding, and compatibility.

🐟 What Makes Archerfish Special?

Archerfish are known for:

• Shooting precise streams of water
• Knocking insects into the water
• Excellent eyesight
• Social schooling behavior
• Semi-aggressive temperament

They can accurately hit prey from several feet away!

🌍 Natural Habitat

Archerfish are found in:

• Southeast Asia
• Northern Australia
• India
• Indonesia

They typically live in:

• Brackish mangrove estuaries
• River mouths
• Coastal swamps

Some species can adapt to freshwater, but many prefer brackish water.

🐠 Common Archerfish Species

1️⃣ Banded Archerfish

Toxotes jaculatrix

• Silver body with black bands
• Most common aquarium species
• Grows up to 10–12 inches

2️⃣ Seven-Spot Archerfish

Toxotes chatareus

• Larger species
• Dark spots instead of clear bands
• Can exceed 12 inches

3️⃣ Smallscale Archerfish

Toxotes microlepis

• Similar to banded species
• Slightly different scale pattern

🏠 Archerfish Tank Setup

Archerfish are NOT beginner fish. They need space.

Tank Size

• Minimum: 55 gallons (juveniles)
• Adult group: 75–100+ gallons

They grow large and are active swimmers.

Water Type

Most species prefer:

• Slightly brackish water
• Specific gravity: 1.005–1.010
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Temperature: 24–28°C

Check species before setting up freshwater only.

Tank Design Tips

• Leave space above water surface
• Lower water level slightly (shooting space)
• Add mangrove-style decor
• Provide strong filtration
• Keep lid secure (they can jump)

They need access to open air space to display natural hunting behavior.

🍽 Feeding Archerfish

In nature they eat:

• Insects
• Spiders
• Small fish
• Crustaceans

In captivity feed:

• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Floating pellets
• Frozen shrimp
• Live insects (occasionally)

Feeding insects above water encourages natural shooting behavior.

🐟 Tank Mates

Archerfish are semi-aggressive.

Suitable tank mates (brackish setups):

• Scats
• Monos
• Larger mollies
• Silver dollars (freshwater setups cautiously)

Avoid:

• Small fish (may be eaten)
• Slow fish
• Aggressive cichlids

Keep archerfish in groups of 4–6 to reduce aggression.

📏 Growth & Lifespan

• Size: 10–12+ inches
• Lifespan: 8–10 years

They require long-term commitment.

🧠 Intelligence & Behavior

Archerfish are considered highly intelligent.

Studies show they can:

• Learn to target specific objects
• Improve accuracy with practice
• Recognize feeding patterns

They are one of the smartest commonly kept aquarium fish.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✘ Keeping in small tanks
✘ Ignoring brackish water needs
✘ Keeping alone
✘ Not covering tank securely
✘ Overfeeding live insects

Proper environment is crucial.

🌟 Pros & Cons of Archerfish

✔ Pros

• Unique shooting behavior
• Intelligent and interactive
• Impressive size
• Great display fish

✘ Cons

• Large tank required
• Semi-aggressive
• Brackish setup needed
• Not beginner-friendly

Final Thoughts

Archerfish are extraordinary fish that bring something truly unique to an aquarium. Their water-shooting hunting technique and intelligent behavior make them fascinating to observe.

However, they require large brackish tanks and experienced care. If you’re ready for a bigger setup and long-term commitment, archerfish can become the highlight of your aquarium.