Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix)

Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix)

Banded Archerfish is the classic surface-hunting archerfish: alert, intelligent and famous for knocking insects from overhanging branches with a jet of water. It is also a specialist fish. Toxotes jaculatrix should be planned for a large, covered brackish aquarium rather than a small community tank.

This species suits experienced keepers who want behaviour as much as colour. A settled archerfish spends much of the day watching the surface, cruising under open water and reacting quickly to movement above the tank. The black bands, silver body and high-set eyes make it easy to recognise, while the upturned mouth shows exactly where it feeds.

Quick facts

• Scientific name: Toxotes jaculatrix
• Adult size: commonly around 20 cm, with larger fish possible
• Care level: Advanced
• Minimum aquarium: 450 litres; a group needs considerably more room
• Water: 25-30C, pH 7.0-8.0, hard alkaline brackish conditions
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive surface predator
• Diet: Insects, prawns, frozen foods and quality carnivore foods

Natural behaviour and habitat

Banded Archerfish come from coastal and estuarine habitats across the Indo-Pacific, including mangroves and river mouths where fresh and marine water mix. That background matters in the aquarium. Juveniles may be found in fresher water, but long-term care is best planned around hard, alkaline brackish conditions and very stable water quality.

The famous shooting behaviour is not a party trick added by training; it is natural feeding behaviour. Give the fish open surface space, a calm upper-water area and a secure lid. A low waterline or a covered section with safe space above the surface can help experienced keepers encourage more natural hunting behaviour, but the aquarium must always prevent jumping.

Aquarium setup

Start with space. A single small specimen may look manageable at first, but this species grows into a powerful top-level fish and does better with room to cruise. Use strong biological filtration, regular maintenance and decor that suggests roots, wood and shaded margins without blocking the surface. Avoid soft, acidic community layouts.

A secure cover is essential. Archerfish live near the surface, react quickly to movement and can jump. Keep tank mates, feeding routines and maintenance calm enough that the fish are not constantly startled.

Feeding

Feed a varied carnivorous diet offered near the surface. Frozen prawns, mussel, insects, krill, bloodworm and good-quality floating carnivore foods can all be useful, depending on fish size. Do not rely on one food. A varied diet keeps body condition better and gives this species more of the surface-focused behaviour that makes it special.

Tank mates

Choose robust brackish companions that are too large to be swallowed and confident enough not to be bullied at feeding time. Spotted Scat, larger monos, selected brackish gobies and other archerfish can work in roomy systems with compatible salinity. Avoid small tetras, rasboras, shrimp, delicate soft-water fish and timid surface dwellers.

If you are comparing brackish options, see Spotted Scat, Silver Moony and Blyth's Archerfish. They are not automatic tank mates for every setup, but they help show the difference between true brackish display fish and ordinary community species.

Ordering and arrival

Livestock is packed for overnight travel with a licensed live-animal courier and covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Match temperature and water chemistry carefully on arrival, especially when moving archerfish into a brackish system.