Zebra Archerfish

About

The zebra archerfish (Toxotes blythii), also called the clouded archerfish, is one of the lesser-seen members of the archerfish family and comes from the freshwater and brackish waterways of Myanmar. Like its more commonly kept relatives, it is a surface-oriented predator, spending most of its time near the top of the water column where it watches for prey above the waterline. That famous archerfish behavior, spitting a precise jet of water to knock insects and other small creatures off overhanging vegetation, is a real possibility with this species, so a tightly fitting lid is not optional. The zebra archerfish reaches around five to six inches as an adult, making it a reasonably sized fish that benefits from a tank with good horizontal length and open surface area. Its care lands in intermediate territory, less because the fish is particularly sensitive and more because its natural habitat preferences and predatory feeding style require some thought. Providing a varied diet that includes surface-fed insects and other meaty foods helps keep these fish engaged and in good condition. If you have kept other archerfish before, this species will feel familiar. It is simply a less commonly encountered option that is worth seeking out.