Care
Archerfish are famed for their ability to shoot at terrestrial insects with a jet of water from their specialised mouths, causing their prey to fall into the water and quickly become a meal. Incredibly, they have the ability to compensate for visual refraction when aiming, and almost always achieve their target, which can be well over a metre away. They will also leap clear of the water on occasion to grab at insects they judge to be easy pickings. The aquarium that houses these remarkable fish should be spacious (at least 5ft x 2ft x 2ft) and with a dropped water level and tight fitting coverslides. In this way, the fish will display their natural water-shooting ways when feeding time occurs. Large paludarium style set ups with twigs and planting above the surface of the water work very well. Some owners do offer insect based foods such as crickets, but these fish will happily take other prepared floating foodstuffs, often shooting water at the owner when getting impatient! In the wild, Archerfish are regularly found congregating in small groups and so are best maintained in shoals of at least 6 specimens of a similar size. Any less a number could amount in aggression related problems, with certain fish being continually picked upon. A larger number of specimens is not only more natural, but will also spread any aggression amongst the group. The entire group should be introduced simultaneously - monitor the water quality carefully - as newcomers (particularly smaller specimens) are often not accepted. The tank should be aquascaped to include some shadier areas amongst large bogwood pieces and slate stood up at the back of the aquarium, along with resin "root" ornaments. These fish can be a little nervous, particularly when first introduced, so hiding spots and darker areas of shelter will be appreciated. Aquatic vegetation is safe with Archerfish, although species chosen should be tolerant of brackish conditions. Archerfish are sensitive to pollutants, so it is very important that the aquarium water is kept in excellent condition at all times with a decent amount of filtration and frequent partial water changes. If maintaining at the higher end of the preferred temperature range, ensure that the water is well oxygenated. Archerfish can be kept alongside other brackish water fish, including juvenile Scats and Monodactylus species, Knight gobies and Orange Chromides. Large Archerfish are more than capable of eating small fish, so ensure any potential tankmates are of a suitable size.
Feeding
Insects such as crickets, flies and mealworms. Floating pellets and assorted freeze dried foods (which tend to float on the water's surface) will also be taken. Sinking foods will be ignored.
Breeding
Archerfish have spawned in captivity in a large aquarium with a water salinity of 1.006 and a temperature of 25 °C. The eggs hatched after 5 days but rearing of the fry was extremely difficult. The adults are predatory, so the eggs/young must be reared in a separate mature breeding aquarium.
