Archer Fish 4cm

Banded Archer Fish - Brackish
 

Archerfish are known worldwide for their spectacular behaviour of shooting down their prey with precise accuracy. Archerfish are also quite widespread throughout Australasia due to their adaptability to a range of water parameters. The Toxotes Jaculatrix is one of these Australian species which is a great archer for aquariums. These phenomenal fish make for very interesting additions to a native Australian aquarium and they are commonly kept in paludarium-style setups where their natural behaviour is exhibited during feeding time.

The archer fish has a contrasting colouration where it sports a shimmering silver body with a dark green nape. Its fins offer hints of yellow but the bold, jet-black vertical bars along the side of this species make it stand out. The body shape of the archer fish is also far different from other fish species in this it has a very flat top which makes it a clear surface welling. It also has large eyes which are perfect for locking onto prey and a powerful paddle-like tail which gives it immense power in the water. All of these hunting features coupled with a trap jaw-like mouth makes this fish a skilled insect hunter.

The Jaculatrix species can get fairly big maxing out at around 30 cm and are known to be peaceful in nature but will eat any fish which can fit into their large mouth. They are also best to be kept in a school with members of their species. Juvenile archer fish are often found in full freshwater bodies however to ensure proper health it is best to keep them in a brackish environment as they age. Trying to differentiate males and females in this species is extremely difficult and breeding them in the home aquarium is equally so as very little information is known about the lifecycle of this species. Their native range is the northern tropical regions of Australia.

Tank Recommendations for Banded Archer Fish

The archer fish is a fairly large growing fish and is very active. Because of this, it does require a large-sized aquarium of around 550 litres and around. A sand or gravel substrate is fine as these fish are top dwellers, additions of driftwood or river stones would make a very natural looking environment. Plants can be added as well however these must be species that can withstand the salinity levels found in brackish water.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Jaculatrix Archerfish are fairly peaceful fish however they are predatory in nature meaning that fish that could possibly fit in their mouth would become prey. They are generally best suited to be kept in a species-only set up but large brackish-tolerant species can be considered.

Usually Compatible

Barramundi, bream, tandanus catfish, salmon tail catfish, scats, mono argents, and other large-bodied and brackish tolerant species.

Sometimes Compatible

Smaller-sized bottom-dwelling species such as brackish moray eels and large sailfin mollies might be just big enough to avoid being eaten by the archer fish.

Rarely Compatible

Smaller brackish tolerant species such as mudskippers, bumblebee gobies and any non-brackish tolerant freshwater fish species sure to water parameters, aggression, or size.

Feeding your Banded Archer Fish

Banded archerfish became the most popular due to their feeding requirements. They are a skilled hunter, and they get their name from accurately shooting down their main prey insects from leaves and branches near the surface of the water. They have been observed spitting torpedo-like streams of water more than 6 feet high to accurately hit insects which then get knocked into the water, only to be swallowed in an instant by the archer fish. To observe this feeding behaviour archerfish are often kept in paludarium set ups where there is a large open space above the tank with pieces of wood and tropical plants. Insects such as crickets are let into this area which are then hunted by the archer fish. Similarly having a mesh-type cover on the tank can also allow the archer fish to display this behaviour when insects are clinging to the underside of the mesh. They will however also eat a wide range of prepared aquarium foods such as pellets and frozen foods. It is best to give them floating foods though because of their surface-dwelling nature.