Archers

[Superspecs]

Howdy all,

My Dad used to keep alll sorts of odd tropical fish when I was younger some of which were Archer fish. I remember being amazed watching as he fed them flies and other insects he had caught and was just wondering if they are hard to keep or if they were un/suited to a community tank of sorts?

 

[england]

There brakish fish so needs to be a brakish community tank

this was taken from FISHLORE.COM
Their original habitat includes, Southeast Asia, northeastern Australia and the Gulf of Aden, mainly the brackish waters. A pH of 7.0 to 8.0, medium hard water and a temperature of 68 - 82 %F (20 - 28 %C) is the best conditions for them to be kept in. When they reach 4 to 5 inches in size 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt per 1 gallon of water should be added to the aquarium water. Growing between 10 and 12 inches in size, these fish require a tank size of a 100 gallons, minimum. Providing plants that grow above the water surface is advisable but be sure not to crowd the surface area as they need space to practice their shooting. Rocks too can be added. Keeping the water level a few inches below the top is also advised, so that they have room to practice. The tank lid must be secure as they jump.

 

[Superspecs]

Twelve inches? I had no idea they grew so large, my Dad's Archers were real tiddlers in comparison. Bearing in mind they are predatory fish I am curious about thier temperament.

 

[england]

What isze tank are you looking to stock or do you already have a tank, if so tell us size and occupant's, we can then go from there

 

[Superspecs]

I am waiting until I have moved house until I get my tank as I do not want the hassle of moving new fish. I am thinking of goin for something in the 150-200 litres range, space permitting.

Any suggestions would be great as I have little knowledge of brakish species.

 

[nmonks]

There are at least three species of archerfish in the trade, one of which, Toxotes microlepis, is relatively small and does not need (or particularly enjoy) brackish water. It's reasonably widely sold, though the other two species, Toxotes jaculatrix and Toxotes chatareus, are at least as commonly seen in the shops. All three are difficult to identify at first glance, and don't take for granted any retailer who says they're "freshwater archers" unless they also quote the Latin name and understand what makes this species distinctive. More on this issue on my FAQ.

Maximum size varies, with Toxotes microlepis getting to about 12 cm under aquarium conditions and the other two species 15-20 cm.

All are excellent community fish, but they are highly predatory, so tankmates should be of appropriate size.

Cheers, Neale

 

[Superspecs]

Great! Where would I find this FAQ?

 

[nmonks]

It's on my web page!

Cheers, Neale

Great! Where would I find this FAQ?

 

[Superspecs]

Oh yeah, of course it is. I didnt see it when i clicked the link before. thanks