Banded Archerfish

Toxotes jaculatrix

Banded Archerfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate – Advanced

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm)
Aquarium size: 114 US gal (432 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 77–86°F (25–30°C)
pH: 7–8
GH: 20–30 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 114 US gal (432 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 25–30 °C, pH 7–8, GH 20–30 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Banded Archerfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Banded Archerfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer insects/live/frozen animal foods at water surface; design enclosure with safe room above water for shooting prey.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 114 US gal (432 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India Australia Philippines.

Important notes

Brackish-water long-term care recommended; freshwater juveniles are not evidence for freshwater adult maintenance.
The 432 L specialist footprint is for a single adult; a social group needs a larger enclosure.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Asian Upside Down Catfish Mystus leucophasis Similar care level Same temperament Similar diet Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Similar care level Same temperament Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Moon Tetra Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 75–77°F (24–25°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C)

FAQ

How large does Banded Archerfish get?

Banded Archerfish reaches ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Banded Archerfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 114 US gal (432 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Banded Archerfish peaceful?

Yes. Banded Archerfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Banded Archerfish?

Keep it between 25 to 30 °C.

Should Banded Archerfish be kept alone or in a group?

Banded Archerfish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.