Spotted archerfish (Toxotes chatareus)

Scientific name: Toxotes chatareus Hamilton, 1822

The Spotted archerfish (Toxotes chatareus) is a freshwater fish of the family Toxotidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 25–30°C (77–86°F). Native range: Asia and Oceania, Sri Lanka and India to New Guinea and northern Australia.

Spotted archerfish care at a glance

Temperature: 25–30°C (77–86°F)

Biology

Occurs mainly in brackish mangrove estuaries, but also penetrates freshwater rivers and small streams. Inhabits coastal waters. Found along the shores of flowing and standing waters. Occurs in shaded areas with overhanging vegetation. Inhabits medium to large-sized rivers. Also found in lakes and billabongs. Feeds at the surface during the day on floating debris which includes insects and vegetable matter. Also consumes crustaceans and small fishes. Renowned for its habit of spitting to dislodge its insect prey from tree branches above the water; maximum shooting range is about 150 cm. Breeds from both fresh and brackish water. Breeding takes place in the wet season. Highly fecund female releases buoyant eggs. Lays 20

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Toxotes chatareus
Family: Toxotidae (Archerfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 40.0
Common length: 25.0
Environment: Freshwater; brackish; pelagic; amphidromous
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia and Oceania: Sri Lanka and India to New Guinea and northern Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=1-2; k=0.31)