Toxotes jaculatrix (Pallas 1767)

Toxotes jaculatrix are usually found in small shoals. Generally, they are peaceful, although they might eat smaller fish and be aggressive to conspecifics (which can be solved by keeping them in groups of 4 or 5 specimens). This species can be kept with other larger-sized brackish fish, such as scats, monos and green chromides.

Archer fish have more developed eyes than most fish. The binocular vision allows them to focus forward and judge longer distances to aid their hunting technique. While archer fish mouths go above the surface to shoot down prey, the rest of the body remains submerged. Their eyesight does not account for refraction of light against the water, so they must learn to aim for accuracy. Small fry quickly learn the best place to see a prey item is directly underneath it.

This species feeds at the surface on floating debris, including insects and vegetable matter. It is also renowned for its ability to “shoot down” insect prey by expelling beads of water from its mouth with considerable force and for its remarkable ability to compensate for visual refraction when aiming its shoots.

Toxotes jaculatrix can be included in different aquarium setups. The first would be the common brackish aquarium setup containing mangrove roots and brackish-tolerant plants, with a slow waterflow. On the other hand, a biotope setup can be created, using a tall tank half-filled with water and an area of dry land and plants in the upper area of the tank. Water temperature shold be between 25 and 30°C and pH should be kept neutral.

In a biotope aquarium as the one described above, it is possible to replicate the natural feeding behaviour of Toxotes jaculatrix by introducing crickets or fruitflies into the planted area in the upper part of the tank, which will eventually be picked off by the fish. This species can also be fed with floating food, such as flake and pellets, and  also frozen food, such as bloodworm and brineshrimp.

Reproductive habits of Toxotes jaculatrix have not been formally studied at this time. There are no reports of breeding in the hobby.

Archerfish become mature at one to two years. They are believed to swim from their brackish water habitats out to coral reefs and coral rocks to spawn. Broadcast spawning is triggered by the rains that end the tropical dry spells (females appear to spawn from November to December.). The female lays about 20 000 to 150 000 eggs.

Relat600 to 1100

Toxotes jaculatrix (Archerfish) are best kept in schools, if you want to breed them.