Toxotes jaculatrix, Archer Fish? [Archive]

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Lycanthropic

09-21-2009, 1:49 PM

I called my LFS, they said there was only opne type of Archer, which I belive to be false.... cause ive heard different.
Ive seen some at 12 inches, but that was a long time ago. The LFS also said they can get to be up to 16- 20" True or False?
If its going to get that big, I dont know if its a good idea to keep them in my tank. opinions?
any owners out there who can help me?

vampie

09-21-2009, 2:00 PM

There's a number of species (somewhere around 10 I think?), their max size would depend on which one you get.

Reefscape

09-21-2009, 2:01 PM

As i am aware, there are ( i think ) 6 species, within 1 genus of Archerfish...

Jaculatrix can easily attain 12 inches in captivity...

jpappy789

09-21-2009, 3:04 PM

There are seven, Niko :grinyes:

http://fishbase.com/NomenClature/ValidNameList.cfm?criteria=SYNONYMS.SynGenus+%3D+% 27Toxotes%27++AND+SYNONYMS.SynSpecies+like+%27%25% 25%27+&vtitle=Scientific+Names+where+Genus+Equals+%3Ci%3E Toxotes%3C%2Fi%3E

froglover007

09-21-2009, 3:07 PM

I believe that the smallscale archer (Toxotes Microlepis) attains only 7 inches.

Lycanthropic

09-21-2009, 3:19 PM

UGH! stupid LFS! I knew they were wrong. I may have to school them! I would like smaller archers but I doubt they would be able to get them

Reefscape

09-22-2009, 8:28 AM

jpappy789

09-22-2009, 7:24 PM

Close doen't cut it Nekes...we demand perfection :D

Lycanthropic

09-22-2009, 9:22 PM

LMAO. you guys amuse me. I am going to the LFS to go check out their archers. Im pretty darn sure some are the small ones... as I wouldnt want to jeapoadize my tank or restrict a fish from growing to its potential.
Any tankmates ideas?
Current stock is 2 dragon gobies, 2 bbgs and a few ghost shrimp.
I was thinking maybe 3-5 archers... but im not sure, any ideas? Should they be kept in a group?
I was thinking some lyretail mollies as well and possibly some celebes rainbows....
more suggestions please?

jpappy789

09-23-2009, 3:37 PM

I've never really looked that much into it, but I believe feeding might be an issue. I have read that converting them to prepared foods is not easy and thus its best to setup the tank so that they can display their natural "archer" behavior. It's something I would definitely do more research on before going through with the purchase.

I'd probably play it safe and stick to the smaller fish.

Pufferpunk

09-24-2009, 10:42 AM

I really think you should stock with smaller species. Stick with different goby species, mollies, another dragon goby (weren't you having problems with only 2?) & keep looking for those chromides--they'll show up eventually & a few F8 puffers.

Lycanthropic

09-24-2009, 1:14 PM

Im def. not throwing puffs into the big tank. I am no longer having agression issues with the two boys. They are maturing and I have added multiple hiding spaces, to bring the count around ten. They chose their hidey places and swim out to see me at night :) With arhcers, I would be getting crickets, and out room seems to always have flies in it. I would also comsider feeding live bloodworms if I could fine them.
Im really on the fence with the chromides because it depends on the source but some people say thay are viscious, some say they are not.

Pufferpunk

09-24-2009, 9:31 PM

F8 puffers would fit perfectly into your scheme. They are one of the least aggressive of all puffer species.

brackbrat

10-17-2009, 12:38 AM

My archers have always eaten frozen food well, and they transitioned over to cichlid pellets no problem. :)