Banded Archer Fish
Banded Archer Fish
Banded Archer Fish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is the classic Archer Fish — the species famous for spitting precise jets of water at insects perched above the waterline, knocking them into the water to be eaten. The pale silver body with bold dark bands and large upturned eyes positioned at the top of the head — adapted for targeting prey above the surface — gives this fish its unmistakable appearance.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets and Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes make good daily staples. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp 2–3 times per week. Archer fish are surface feeders — insects (live crickets, mealworms) placed near the waterline are the most natural and stimulating food, triggering the spitting behavior.
Our archer fish are tank-raised in freshwater — no salt or brackish conditions are required for captive-bred stock. Wild-caught Banded Archer Fish are brackish species, but generations of captive breeding have produced fish that adapt well to hard, slightly alkaline freshwater. Provide a significant airspace above the water — archer fish leap at insects at the waterline and need room above the surface. A tight-fitting lid is essential.
Keep in groups of three or more — more active in company. Compatible with other large, robust fish that share similar water requirements. The tank must have a large airspace between the water surface and the lid — at least 6–8 inches — to allow the spitting behavior to develop.
Watching an Archer Fish target and shoot an insect is one of the most extraordinary behaviors available in a freshwater aquarium. Young fish develop accuracy over time — juveniles miss frequently but become remarkably precise with practice.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful with large fish — predatory toward small fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 8.0–10.0 inches (20–25 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 3 minimum — large airspace above water |
| Ideal Temp | 75–86°F (24–30°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 8–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 4–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Coastal streams and mangroves, Southeast Asia and northern Australia |
| Notes | Famous for shooting water jets at insects above the waterline. Large upturned eyes. Tank-raised in freshwater — no brackish required for captive stock. Large airspace above water essential. Tight-fitting lid required. |
