Toxotes jaculatrix

Family: Toxotidae

Toxotes jaculatrix — a Toxotidae from Indo-Pacific. Reaches 22.5–33 cm; keep at 25–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
25–30 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
22.5–33 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Upper; surface-oriented
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but predatory toward surface prey
Origin
Indo-Pacific

Species overview

Toxotes jaculatrix is a Toxotidae from Indo-Pacific. In the wild it prefers mangrove estuaries and brackish shallows; in the aquarium it stays peaceful but predatory toward surface prey. Plan on 22.5–33 cm of adult fish at 25–30 °C. In a community tank it pairs well with Similar-sized peaceful community fish.

Native biotope

Habitat
Mangrove estuaries and brackish shallows
Flow
Still to gentle
Dissolved O₂
High oxygen appreciated

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Overhanging cover and open shooting lanes
Plants
Hardy brackish-tolerant species

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep in groups; they are social hunters
Diet
Carnivore; insects and small surface prey
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males are smaller
Breeding method
Rare in captivity

Frequently asked questions

Is Toxotes jaculatrix easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful but predatory toward surface prey. Keep in groups; they are social hunters.

What temperature and water chemistry does Toxotes jaculatrix need?

Aim for 25–30 °C. Stable warm range; 25–30 °C curated husbandry range.

How big does Toxotes jaculatrix get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 22.5–33 cm; it is upper; surface-oriented. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Toxotes jaculatrix eat?

Carnivore; insects and small surface prey. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Toxotes jaculatrix live with other fish?

Peaceful but predatory toward surface prey. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Toxotes jaculatrix come from?

Its home waters are Indo-Pacific — mangrove estuaries and brackish shallows, with still to gentle.

Does Toxotes jaculatrix jump?

A confirmed jumper: fit a tight lid and lower the waterline slightly.

How does Toxotes jaculatrix breed?

Rare in captivity. Males are smaller.