These fish earn their name by spitting jets of water at overhanging insect prey with deadly accuracy. Found further inland than other archers but acidic conditions are best avoided
Overview
Synonyms
None
Distribution
Irrawaddy river system to Tenasserim, Myanmar.
Maximum Size
15cm+ (6"+)
Temperature
24-28°C
Water Parameters
Freshwater. Neutral conditions are recommended, although they are quite unfussy providing that the water is clean, well filtered, and extremes are avoided.
Compatibility
Specialist community
Lighting
Low
Sexual Dimorphism
Not sexually dimorphic
Feeding
Flake, granules, pellets and frozen foods
Description
Care
Not to be confused with the more commonly available brackish species, in the wild, freshwater archerfish tend to inhabit relatively shallow waters underneath the cover of forest canopies - where they are most likely to find insects to eat - often among the shelter of dense aquatic vegetation or the cover of undercut banks. They require ample swimming space, so a roomy tank is necessary. This should be mature, dimly lit, and the water well-filtered via an external canister to help deal with the wastes of these moderately sized predatory fish. Ensure that the aquarium is oxygenated well via supplemental aeration/powerheads, particularly if maintaining the fish at the upper end of its preferred temperature range. Although there should be plenty of open swimming space, some thought must be given to creating a few shady areas for the fish to retreat to, such as tall pieces of driftwood and overhanging/floating robust or plastic plants. Archers tend to become more territorial with age, so visual barriers may be necessary. This species is best maintained either singly or in groups; the latter being far more natural for the fish. Pairs tend to squabble until the weaker fish succumbs " this is so easily avoided by keeping an appropriate larger number. Tankmates should be peaceful and of a similar size, as adults will prey on small fish. Ideally stick to fish that are "˜taller"™ in the body (i.e. not torpedo shaped) and that are at least 2/3 the size of the archerfish; anything smaller is likely to be seen as food. Do ensure that the aquarium has a tight fitting cover as these nervous fish are notorious jumpers.
Feeding
In their native habitat, archerfish will feed on insects (which they leap at or shoot water at to make them fall into the water), small fish and crustaceans. In the aquarium, they will readily take a varied diet of dried and frozen meaty foods " particularly items that are slow to sink.
Breeding
Very little is known about the breeding habits of archerfish, particularly the freshwater species.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
