The Archer Fish can also be called the Banded Archer Fish and stems from rivers and streams throughout Asia. It’s a triangularly shaped figure that’s large silver in color. Many elongated areas decorate the side of the fish, in addition to yellow and black markings on the dorsal and anal fins.
Archerfish have the remarkable capacity to spit water at insects over the water, with excellent accuracy. Even more notable is that the capacity to compensate for the visual stimulation which the water surface induces. It’s noted that these fish could spit in a goal as much as 5 feet off! The insect falls into the water, where it can be eaten by the fish.
Hunting by spitting requires great control over the water jet shot at prey.
The Archerfish (Toxotes chatareus), native to the brackish waters of estuaries, mangroves, and rivers in Southeast Asia and Australia, is a unique species that stands out due to its remarkable hunting strategy. They typically measure 5 to 10 cm in length, although some species can grow up to 40 cm. Archerfish are known for their ability to spit jets of water with remarkable accuracy to knock insects and other small prey into the water from overhanging vegetation.
Possessing a laterally compressed body and a dorsal fin towards the back end, these fish are predominantly silver with vertical black stripes, giving them a striking appearance. The Archerfish’s eyes are large and positioned forward, enabling excellent binocular vision, which is critical for their unique predatory behavior. Their mouth is pointed upwards, a specific adaptation for their water-spitting habit.
Beyond their hunting skill, Archerfish are also social creatures that are known to exist in small schools. Their unusual behavior, coupled with their distinctive appearance, makes them a fascinating species for enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Type of Archerfish
- Toxotes chatareus, sometimes known by the common names seven-spot archer fish or largescale archerfish, is a species perciform fish in the archerfish genus Toxotes. The largescale archer fish are usually no larger than 20 centimeters (7.9 in) but may grow up to 40 centimeters (16 in). Unlike most archerfish,T. chatareus are sooty rather than silvery in color.
- The smallscale archerfish (Toxotes microlepis) is a perciform fish of genus Toxotes. As its name suggests, the scales of the smallscale archerfish are smaller than those of other archerfish. This manner of fish ranging in size from 15 cm to 40 cm long beak mouth stretched body flat fort’s dorsal fin is divided into two episodes airing at first Spines spines are 4-5 pieces. After a fin, A coarse flake (Ctenoid) live in freshwater and brackish water. Much estuaries or coastal strip. Smallscale archerfish live in the tropical Indo-Pacific region and are potamodromous, moving between fresh and brackish water through their lifetimes.
- The banded archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is a brackish water perciform fish of the archerfish genus Toxotes. It is silvery in color and has a dorsal fin towards the posterior end. It has distinctive, semi-triangular markings along its sides. It is best known for its ability to spit a jet of water to “shoot down” prey.
Archerfish in aquarium
Keeping Archerfish (Toxotes chatareus) in an aquarium can be a rewarding experience due to their unique hunting behavior and social nature. However, it’s crucial to simulate their natural habitat as much as possible to ensure their health and happiness. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Tank Size: Archerfish can grow up to 10-12 inches, so they require a fairly large tank. A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a small school of Archerfish, but the bigger, the better.
- Water Conditions: Archerfish are brackish water fish, which means they require a mix of freshwater and saltwater. The salinity level should ideally be maintained between 1.005 and 1.015 specific gravity. They thrive in slightly alkaline conditions, so the pH should be kept between 7.5 and 8.0. The temperature should be maintained between 75° and 86° F (24°-30° C).
- Decor and Substrate: To simulate their natural habitat, consider a dark, sandy substrate and plenty of live plants and rocks for hiding. However, make sure to leave plenty of open swimming space as well. Incorporating driftwood can provide additional aesthetic and functional benefits.
- Lighting: As they’re found in densely vegetated habitats in the wild, Archerfish prefer subdued lighting. Strong light may stress them.
- Tank Cover: Given their propensity for spitting water and jumping, a secure tank cover is essential to prevent them from jumping out.
Remember that each Archerfish may have individual needs and behaviors, so observe them carefully and adjust conditions as needed. If cared for properly, Archerfish can be a unique and interactive addition to a home aquarium.
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 24-30°C or 75-86° F , pH 7.5-8.0
Diet: Omnivore
Habitual residence as a crowd tricky surface. A carnivorous fish There is talent Spray distance of 1-2 meters to shoot insects to deal with a good name, “fish archer” (Archer Fish) if insects do not fall. Success will fire again The coordinates can shoot, too. They can also jump up to bite the bait up to one foot above the water lay in wet coastal or estuary. The number of 20000-150000 egg measures 0.4 mm
The best set up to get Archer Fish is an aquarium of at least 100 gallons with a tight fitting canopy, mainly because these fish happen to be jumpers. Give plenty of plant life that do certainly not encroach the area giving them a lot of swimming area at the top of the aquarium. As well, it is suitable to keep the level of the aquarium some inches below the top giving them room to train their seeking. These fish prosper in either refreshing or brackish water.
***Beware to careful to jump out dead.***
Tank compatibility
A generally peaceful fish that hides in vegetation waiting to shoot down prey.
Tank Mates: Archerfish are generally peaceful but can be predatory toward smaller fish. Suitable tank mates include larger mollies, monos, scats, and other brackish species that won’t fit into the Archerfish’s mouth.
Diet
Archerfish are omnivorous. In the wild, they eat insects and small animals by shooting them down with a stream of water. In an aquarium, they can be fed a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other insects along with quality pellet or flake food.
