Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Clouded Archerfish or Archer for short, also known as the Zebra Archerfish, has an extremely limited distribution to rivers and estuaries of Myanmar. This region is difficult to enter, thus making this species much more difficult to collect compared to other Toxotes. The Clouded archer has a more pronounced anal fin compared to other species in the genus, in addition to its much wider dark markings that resemble “clouds.” The Clouded archer is one of the few true freshwater archer species, and does not need to be kept in a brackish environment. Archers are well known for their unique feeding behavior of shooting jets of water out of their mouths at insects on above-hanging vegetation. One of the smaller species, an adult Clouded archer can reach a size of approximately 6″. Note: This species is rarely available.
Diet Requirements: Archers are carnivores. In a biotope set-up of water and an area of dry land, insects could be introduced ocassionally for the archer to be able to prey upon naturally as they climb up plants. Otherwise, Archers are accepting of various frozen foods including bloodworms and brine shrimp. Archers may also accept high quality floating pellet foods.
Care Requirements: A minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small, individual Clouded archer or group. As these grow larger, a 120 gallon aquarium is more ideal. This fish cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters ideal (Nitrates < 30 ppm). Archers do not like excessive water movement. Archers are generally peaceful and can be compatible with a wide variety of fish, so long as they are not too small to be eaten. This species may refuse to eat at first if other tank mates are much more bold in this respect. Multiple Clouded archerfish can be kept together, however all individuals should be introduced at the same time for the best chance of success. No fewer than four Clouded archers should be kept together as a group. Recommended water conditions, 76-84° F, KH 9-19, pH 6.5-8.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
