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Banded Archer Fish
Banded Archer Fish
Origin
South East Asia
Habitat Size
150 - 400 Liters
Water Type
Brackish
Water Temperature
24º-28ºC
Cost in India
₹200 - ₹300
Size
6 - 12 inches (Medium)
Diet
Carnivore
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025
Banded Archerfish Guide
The Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is a shiny, silvery fish with dark vertical bands across its sides. It is famous because it can spit jets of water to knock insects off leaves — like a tiny water shooter! This trick makes it very popular with hobbyists and in aquariums.
Characteristics
Temperament
Aggressive
Friendly
Compatibility with other fishes
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Habitat Size
Small
Large
Banded Archerfish Habitat Requirements
Initial Setup Cost
₹10,000 - ₹30,000
Water Temperature
24º -28ºC
Water Type
Brackish
PH Level
7 - 8
Tank type
Essential Equipment
Aquarium tank
Water filter
Heater
Light
Substrate
Banded Archerfish Nutritional Guide
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹200 - ₹ 300
Banded Archerfish Diet type
Health
Common Health Issues
Fin rot
Pop eye (swollen eyes)
White spot / ick
Fungus
Bacterial infections
Parasitic infections
Signs of good health
Active
Bright coloration
Good apetite
Signs of sickness
Loss of appetite
Dull coloring
White growths
Swimming abnormally
Lethargic behaviour
Keeping your Banded Archerfish healthy starts with giving them clean water, the right amount of salt, and a balanced diet. When they live in stable, well-maintained tanks, they rarely fall sick — but like all fish, they can face a few health problems if their environment isn’t right, such as:
Prerequisites for a Fish
Adequate tank space
Cleanliness
Effort & commitment
Enriching Environment
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Happy Pet TeamAuthor
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Banded Archerfish live in freshwater only?
They can tolerate freshwater short-term, but they are happiest and healthiest in brackish water.
How far can they shoot water?
Large banded archerfish may hit prey 2–3 meters in the wild, though in tanks they shoot much shorter distances.
Do they eat other fish?
They prefer insects and small crustaceans; avoid keeping them with very small fish that might be seen as food.
Can I keep a single Banded Archerfish?
It’s better to keep a small group (3–5) so they feel secure and behave naturally. A single fish may become stressed.
Are they good for beginners?
They are not the easiest beginner fish because they need brackish water, space, and stable conditions — but a careful hobbyist can keep them successfully.