Archer Fish Tank Guide: Freshwater and Brackish Setup Explained
- Ajinkya Chopade
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Creating the right tank setup for archer fish is very important because this species behaves in a special way. Archerfish live near mangroves, river mouths, and slow shores. They are known for their ability to shoot water to knock insects from leaves, so they enjoy open space at the top, calm water flow, and a layout that looks natural. This guide brings together tank size, water type, aquascaping, filtration, feeding behavior, and safe tank mates. It also explains the difference between freshwater and brackish setups so you can choose the right environment for your fish and give them a long, healthy life.
Archerfish belong to the family Toxotidae. Some species live fully in freshwater, while others stay in brackish water for most of their life. Because of this, many aquarists get confused about the correct water type. The truth is that both setups can work, but the design must match the species you keep. A good tank for archerfish must offer enough swimming space, calm surface areas, strong filtration, and structure along the sides or corners where the fish feel safe. Archerfish are peaceful but can be active hunters, so the layout must reduce stress and avoid overcrowding. When the environment is stable, archerfish show strong colors, confident swimming, and natural shooting behavior more often.
1. Right Tank Size for Archer Fish (With Dimensions)
Choosing the right tank size is very important because archer fish grow larger than many people expect and need a long swimming space at the surface. They are active hunters and need room to move, turn, and feed comfortably. Archer fish prefer pH between 7.0–8.0, soft to moderately hard water, and a temperature of 26–30°C (78–86°F). If kept in brackish water, the salinity should stay between 1.005–1.015. Strong but gentle filtration is necessary to keep ammonia at 0, nitrite at 0, and nitrate as low as possible, ideally below 20 ppm, because archerfish are sensitive to dirty water and high nitrate levels can stress them or weaken their immunity.
300 L (80 gal) Tank
Dimensions:
120 × 50 × 50 cm
48" × 20" × 20" inches
A 300 L tank is suitable for a small group of juvenile archerfish or for smaller freshwater species that stay under 15–18 cm. This size gives them enough surface area to swim and feed comfortably. Include driftwood, roots, and shaded corners along the sides. This size is best for young fish and should be treated as a temporary setup, because adults will need more space as they grow.
600 L (160 gal) Tank
Dimensions:
150 × 60 × 60 cm
60" × 24" × 24" inches
A 600 L tank is suitable for adult archerfish, especially the common species that reach 20–25 cm. This size supports both freshwater and brackish setups and offers more stable water conditions. Archer fish shoot water at insects, so the extra tank height and length help them behave naturally. Provide open surface areas for swimming and tall wood pieces for soft shade. This tank size is ideal for keeping archer fish with a few peaceful tank mates.
1000+ L (250+ gal) Tank
Dimensions:
200 × 75 × 75 cm
78" × 30" × 30" inches
A 1000+ L tank is the ideal long-term environment for large archer fish species or for keeping a group of adult archer fish with other compatible surface and mid-level fish. Bigger tanks offer better oxygen levels, more stability, and larger open areas for swimming and feeding. This size also supports brackish environments much better, because salinity stays stable. In this setup, archer fish thrive, show confident shooting behavior, and can safely live with larger calm species like monos or peaceful brackish companions.
2. Freshwater vs Brackish Water: What Archer Fish Really Need
Many archerfish only spend part of their life in brackish water. Others live fully in freshwater rivers. Because of this, both setups can work, but you must match the water type to the species you keep. Freshwater archerfish do well in neutral to slightly alkaline water. Brackish species need a small amount of marine salt, but the salinity must stay stable.
Freshwater tanks should have a pH of 7.0–8.0 and a temperature of 26–30°C. Brackish tanks should have a salinity between 1.005 and 1.015, made with marine salt only, not table salt. Both setups need steady parameters because archerfish react strongly to changes. Sudden changes can cause loss of color, stress, or loss of appetite.
The most important thing is consistency. Whether you choose freshwater or brackish water, a stable and clean tank keeps archerfish calm, healthy, and active.
3. Basic Rules for Setting Up an Archer Fish Tank
Archerfish come from open areas with natural shade, roots, and gentle flow. Your aquarium must follow these natural patterns so the fish feel safe. The tank must have clear surface space, because archer fish stay near the top. The water flow must be gentle, because strong currents disturb feeding and shooting behavior. The tank should not have harsh lights directly above the water.
Archerfish also need open swimming space in the middle, with hardscape kept along the sides. When the layout is simple and natural, archerfish stay calm, feed better, and show natural hunting behavior.
4. Best Substrate, Wood, and Hardscape Design
A natural-looking tank helps archer fish feel safe. A medium-dark sand works very well because it reduces glare and brings out their colors. Smooth fine gravel also works. Archer fish do not dig, so the substrate only needs to look natural and support plants or wood.
Driftwood and roots are very important because Archer fish hide behind them in the wild. Tall pieces along the sides create soft shadows where the fish feel secure. These shaded areas help them behave calmly and reduce stress. The layout should be open in the center and top, with structure on the edges. This gives the fish clear swimming paths and safe resting places.
Rocks can be used, but they must be smooth. Sharp or tight spaces may injure the fish. When the tank looks like a natural mangrove or river edge, archer fish show better color, calmer movement, and a stronger feeding response.
5. Filtration and Water Flow for Archer Fish
Archerfish need clean water because they eat insects and meaty foods that create waste. They also stay near the surface, so they rely on good oxygen exchange. A strong filter helps keep ammonia and nitrite at 0, with nitrates kept low. A filter that turns over the tank 6–10 times per hour works best.
Canister filters are ideal because they provide strong biological filtration with gentle flow, which archer fish prefer. A calm surface is important for shooting behavior. Too much surface movement makes it hard for them to aim.
Brackish tanks also need strong filtration because salt changes how bacteria work. Always change the salinity slowly so the filter bacteria do not get shocked. Clean the filter regularly and perform weekly water changes. When filtration is stable, archerfish stay active, bright in color, and healthy.
6. Best Tank Mates for Archer Fish
Archerfish are peaceful predators. They do best with large, calm fish that stay in the middle or bottom of the tank. These companions must be too big to be eaten and must not bully the archer fish. In freshwater tanks, archerfish mix well with other peaceful species. In brackish tanks, choices are fewer, but the same rule applies: tank mates must be calm, stable, and large.
Archerfish prefer tank mates that do not swim too fast or nip fins. Hyperactive fish make them nervous. Calm species help create a stable environment.
As archer fish grow, they may show more confidence at feeding time, but they stay peaceful if the tank is large and the layout offers space and shade.
7. Species to Avoid with Archer Fish
Do not keep small fish, because archer fish will eat them. Avoid very fast fish, because they cause stress. Avoid aggressive species that attack the surface or steal food. These fish disturb the calm space that archerfish need.
Also, avoid fin-nippers because archer fish have long fins that can be damaged easily. Very large, aggressive predators can also cause trouble, as they may dominate the tank or cause long-term stress.
8. Stocking Guide: How Many Archer Fish Per Tank Size
A 300-liter tank can hold a small group of young archer fish. Grouping helps them stay confident and calm.
A 600-liter tank is better for adults. This size supports a healthy group along with a few peaceful tank mates.
A 1000-liter tank or larger is ideal for multiple adults. In tanks this size, archerfish show better color, stronger feeding behavior, and natural movement.
A well-planned archer fish tank setup creates a beautiful, stable, and natural home where these amazing fish can behave as they do in the wild. With enough space, clean water, gentle flow, and natural structure, archer fish stay calm and healthy. Whether you choose freshwater or brackish water, the key is consistency, good filtration, and a layout that matches their natural world. When the tank is planned the right way, archer fish grow well, feed confidently, and show their famous shooting behavior in a safe and healthy environment.
FAQs About Archer Fish Tank Setup, Care, and Tank Mates
1. Are Archer fish freshwater or brackish fish?
Archer fish can live in both freshwater and brackish water, but many species in the wild are found in low-salinity brackish mangrove areas. Some species, like the Banded Archer Fish, are often kept in freshwater tanks in home aquariums. The important point is that all archer fish need stable, clean water and a large tank, no matter which setup you choose. Brackish water is closer to their natural home, but freshwater can also work if parameters stay stable.
2. What is the best tank size for Archer fish?
Archer fish grow large, and a small tank will stress them. A single archer fish needs at least a 200-liter tank, but a group needs 350–500 liters or more. They are active surface swimmers and need a long tank with open space. A small tank will cause slow growth, aggression, and health problems, so going bigger is always better.
3. Can I keep Archer fish with other tank mates?
Yes, you can keep archer fish with peaceful, medium-to-large fish that live in similar water conditions. Good choices include monos, scats, larger rainbowfish, gobies, and peaceful cichlids. The key rule is to avoid small fish, because archer fish are predators and will eat anything they can fit in their mouths. You should also avoid fin-nippers and aggressive species, because they will stress or injure archer fish.
4. What do Archer fish eat?
Archer fish eat insects in nature and famously shoot water jets to knock bugs off leaves. In the aquarium, they enjoy insects, floating pellets, frozen foods, and small crustaceans. The important point is that they will not take sinking food, because they stay at the top. Their diet must include high-protein foods to support growth and natural behavior.
5. Do archer fish need plants and driftwood in their tank?
Archer fish enjoy a tank with floating plants, branches, and open space. Plants make them feel safe and help reduce stress. Floating plants also help them practice their shooting behavior, which is a natural activity for them. But you must leave an open swimming space because they spend most of their time at the surface.
6. Are Archer Fish good for beginners?
Archer fish are beautiful and unique, but they are not ideal for beginners. They need a large tank, stable water conditions, and careful feeding. They also jump a lot, so a tight lid is very important. They are best suited for fishkeepers who already understand filtration, cycling, and brackish or freshwater stability.
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