The Archerfish is a medium-sized fish with a silver body and dark stripes along its sides. Its most notable feature is its ability to shoot jets of water with precision to knock down insects and other small animals that are above the water surface. It is a fascinating behavior to observe.
The Archerfish, scientifically known as Toxotes jaculatrix, is a species of brackish water fish native to Asia and Oceania. It is known for its ability to shoot jets of water to capture prey that are located above the water surface. It is a curious and active fish that can be an interesting addition to an aquarium.
Sexual dimorphism in Toxotes jaculatrix is minimal and difficult to distinguish. Both sexes have a similar appearance.
Information about the reproduction of Archerfish in captivity is limited. In their natural habitat, they are believed to be free spawners, and the eggs are deposited on vegetation. Not much is known about breeding this species in home aquariums.
Toxotes jaculatrix, commonly known as the archerfish, requires a large, well-covered aquarium with brackish water. It prefers warm and brackish waters similar to those found in mangroves. Aquarium décor should include rocks, floating driftwood, and open swimming areas. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a varied diet.
When it comes to feeding, the Archerfish is carnivorous and primarily feeds on insects and small aquatic animals that are located on the water surface. It can be fed with live food such as fruit flies, crickets, or small fish. It is important to provide prey that is located on the water surface to allow it to exercise its shooting ability.
Caring for Toxotes jaculatrix can be challenging. They are hunting fish that require a suitable environment for their natural behavior. They are territorial and can be aggressive towards other fish, especially during feeding. It's recommended to keep them in a species-only tank or with robust companions that can withstand their aggressive behavior.
In case you need more help, or if you want to know into any topic related to the Toxotes jaculatrix (Archerfish) and even any other species you can use the forums to ask what you need.
To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Toxotes jaculatrix (Archerfish) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Archerfish with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.
You can also find out the 76 species compatible with the Toxotes jaculatrix (Archerfish) can live together.
Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.
Compatible without any restriction
They can coexist if they are the same size or very similar sizes, it does not work in all cases, there may be exceptions.
Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.
They can coexist while they are similar in size or the size difference is not very abysmal, since as the fish grows it increases the chances of eating its partner that did not grow much.
They can live together but you have to be careful since it is likely that the fastest fish will take all the food and leave nothing for their partners who are slow swimmers, so you have to make sure that everyone can eat.
They can coexist together if the aquarium they share is large and spacious enough for both species to feel good, as some fish may attack others to feel that they have little space and try to eliminate the competition.