Question on Archer Fish

Stefanie

Stefanie

AC Members
Jan 12, 2005
119
0
16
Maryland
I might be setting up a brackish tank in the close future (it would be my first brackish tank).
I really like Archer Fish but found very confusing information about their size.
Can anyone tell me how large these fish get? I read everything between 4 and 11 inches, and I was wondering what is true?

Thank you!
 
Toxotes microlepis, Smallscale archerfish 15cm (5.9") Doubtful that you would have this kind. Not usually imported.
Toxotes jaculatrix, Banded archerfish 30cm (11.8")
Toxotes chatareus, Largescale archerfish 40cm (15.74")
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Toxotes oligolepis, Western archerfish 15cm (5.9") Never seen in aquarium.
Toxotes lorentzi, Primitive archerfish 15cm (5.9") Never seen in private collection.
 
These two are the ones you will see in the fish trade.
Toxotes jaculatrix, Banded archerfish 30cm (11.8")
Toxotes chatareus, Largescale archerfish 40cm (15.74")
I have had both kinds.
 
How large of a tank did you provide? I am saving up money to get a 150g tank set up.
Also, do they need full salt water as adults? I also got confusing information about this...
And what can they be kept with, if they grow that large?

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to avoid rushing into something. Your help is greatly appreciated!
 
Generally no larger than 7 inches in captivity unless in a HUGE tank. They do NOT need full saltwater as adults but they can be kept in a full marine condition as adults.

Good Luck...... I would suggest monos and scats as tankmates... Also Datnoids and green and orange chromides in a larger tank.

Good Luck :D
 
Last edited:
Wow... thank you... they are so pretty... and I love this spitting they do to get food. It is so cute...
I got into my head though, that I definitely want BBG and if possible a Violet Goby in my tank, and I am not sure if they would get along... I wish I could have about 50 tanks to keep all the fish I like.... it is so hard to make a choice, especially when you are new to the hobby. People in the stores like Petco and Petsmart they always tell you that every fish is happy in any surrounding, in any kind of tank and and and and... It just adds to a beginners confusion. And when looking online, sometimes you get just more confused.
I made so many terrible mistakes on my first tank, because I believed what I was told in the store, and I do not want to repeat it again. So I am very glad I found this forum where I can ask people who do not try to sell...
:OT: Where do you get all those cool brackish fish? Most stores I found either sell salt water fish or tropical fresh water fish...And when I see brackish fish, mostly they live in fresh water tanks in the store...
 
You can get them online.
 
Would you have any links for me, maybe mixed with some personal experience ordering online? I tried googling (is that a word ?!?!) for brackish water fish, but did not have a lot of luck finding the ones I like best...
Thank you!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom