Species profile
Freshwater Archerfish
Toxotes microlepis
Semi aggressive
Hard care
300 L minimum aquarium
15–20 cm adult size
Top
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Smallscale/Freshwater Archerfish (Toxotes microlepis). Current taxonomic databases retain the species as valid. Historic aquarium identifications can include related archerfish, so provenance still matters where species-level certainty is important.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH
5–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Top
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3
Surface predator that targets insects above the water and may take smaller fish. Requires substantial open surface area and a secure cover.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
8–12 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
300 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Toxotes microlepis
Alternative names
Smallscale Archerfish, Freshwater Archerfish, Toxotes microlepis
Native range
Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.
Natural habitat
Large rivers and the margins of flowing or standing waters with overhanging vegetation; current FishBase records both freshwater and brackish occurrence and notes that this species is commonly found well upstream from estuaries.
Diet & feeding
Surface-oriented insectivore/predator. Offer insects, crustaceans and suitable meaty prepared/frozen foods; small fish can be taken.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
No dependable routine external sexing method is established for aquarium specimens.
Breeding
Reliable species-specific captive breeding guidance is limited; do not import a generic breeding claim while the trade identity remains unresolved.