Seven-spot archerfish
Toxotes chatareus
Also known as Largescale archerfish, Spotted archerfish, Common archerfish
FreshwaterBrackishFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 77–86°F
- 25–30°C
- pH
- 7.0–8.0
- Adult size
- 15.7 in
- 40 cm
- Minimum tank
- 106 gal
- 400 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Top
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Toxotidae
- Origin
- Widespread from India through Southeast Asia to northern Australia and New Guinea, in mangrove estuaries, tidal creeks and lower freshwater rivers.
Overview
The seven-spot archerfish is a large surface hunter for a tall brackish tank. It suits a keeper with some experience.
Did you know
The seven-spot archerfish shoots jets of water to knock insects off leaves and branches above the waterline, then eats them as they fall. It learns to aim accurately, correcting for the way light bends at the surface. It can hit insects perched well above the tank.
Caring for the seven-spot archerfish
The seven-spot archerfish grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm), so give it a tall tank of at least 106 gal (400 L). Fit a tight lid and leave open surface space, with floating plants and some overhanging structure so it can hunt and feel secure.
Most keepers run seven-spot archerfish in brackish water with a specific gravity around 1.005 to 1.010, which suits adults best. Keep the water at 77 to 86°F (25 to 30°C) with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0.
Feed floating insects, crickets, frozen shrimp and prawn, and pellets. Expect it to snap up any small fish it can swallow.
Keep it in a small group, since lone fish can be nervous. Pair it only with robust tank mates too large to be eaten.
Good to know
The seven-spot archerfish, Toxotes chatareus, belongs to Toxotidae, the archerfishes. Its common name refers to the dark blotches along the back, which typically number from four to seven. Besides shooting, young fish can leap clear of the water to grab prey directly. It is also sold as the largescale archerfish or the spotted archerfish.
In the wild
Seven-spot archerfish range from India through Southeast Asia to northern Australia and New Guinea. They patrol the surface of mangrove estuaries, tidal creeks and river mouths, watching for insects on overhanging plants. They also live in lower freshwater rivers.
Common questions
What size tank does a seven-spot archerfish need?
A seven-spot archerfish needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the top.
What temperature and pH does a seven-spot archerfish need?
A seven-spot archerfish is comfortable at 77–86°F (25–30°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.
What does a seven-spot archerfish eat?
A seven-spot archerfish eats floating insects, crickets, frozen shrimp and prawn, and pellets. It will also snap up any small fish it can swallow.
How big does a seven-spot archerfish get?
An adult seven-spot archerfish reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm).
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