Pygmy Archerfish

Pygmy Archerfish (Toxotes microlepis microlepis)

The Pygmy Archerfish, also known as the Small-Scale Archerfish, is a fascinating species native to Southeast Asia. Famous for their unique water-spitting ability to catch prey, these fish make an exciting and delightful addition to a home aquarium.

Appearance:
Pygmy Archerfish have a streamlined body with a silver base color and several dark vertical bands along their sides. Their dorsal fins are set towards the back and have a large, upturned mouth. Adult fish reaches a size of 3-4 inches.

Personality:
These fish are intelligent, curious, and generally peaceful. They may display some territorial behavior in smaller tanks but generally get along with other fish when given adequate space. Pygmy Archerfish are not schooling fish, but they do best in small groups.

Tank Habitat and Care:
Pygmy Archerfish thrive in brackish water environments, requiring a mix of fresh and saltwater. A minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons is recommended, with a larger community aquarium size of 50-60 gallons being ideal. They prefer the top swimming level and appreciate ample space and coverage. Provide an abundance of plants, rocks, and driftwood for hiding spots. Maintain a pH of 7.5-8.5, a hardness of 10-20 dGH, a temperature of 75-86°F (24-30°C), and recommended salinity of around 1.005-1.015 specific gravity.

Diet:
Pygmy Archerfish are carnivores, primarily feeding on insects and small fish in the wild. In the aquarium, they can be fed a variety of live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and krill.