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Primitive Archerfish

Toxotes lorentzi

A rare, strictly freshwater archerfish from Australia and New Guinea. Known for shooting terrestrial insects, it requires a specialized 200L paludarium with open surface space and a secure cover.

Taxonomy

Class:Actinopteri

Order:Perciformes

Family:Toxotidae

Genus:Toxotes

Species:Toxotes lorentzi

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Water Temperature

24 - 30 °C

pH Value

6.5 - 7.5

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

Surface

Adult size

15 cm

Minimum tank volume

>= 200 L

Minimum group

>= 5

4 - 15 dGH

2 - 7 dKH

TDS

80 - 295 ppm

Conductivity

125 - 461 uS/cm

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat:

Toxotes lorentzi is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Unlike other archerfish species that dwell in brackish estuaries, this species is restricted to freshwater habitats, including slow-flowing forest streams and swampy wetlands shaded by overhanging trees.

Taxonomy and Morphology:

Member of the family Toxotidae. It is considered one of the most primitive archerfish species. It features a laterally compressed body, a straight dorsal profile, and a large, upward-directed mouth designed for surface feeding. Grows to about 15 cm in length.

Social Behavior:

A peaceful but shy surface predator. It can be kept individually or in small groups if given sufficient space. It spends most of its time hovering just below the water surface, scanning overhanging branches for prey.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism:

The body coloration is relatively plain, consisting of a uniform bronze, silver, or light brown metallic hue, lacking the bold vertical black bars found in other Toxotes species. Fine dark speckles may appear along the sides. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Aquarium Setup:

Must be housed in a large paludarium or specialized aquarium of at least 200 liters, with the water level lowered to leave a significant air space at the top. Arrange overhanging branches or artificial plants above the water to facilitate natural hunting. A tight-fitting lid is mandatory.

Diet and Feeding:

Strictly carnivorous, specializing in surface insects. Feed live insects like crickets, flies, fruit flies, and mealworms on the land area or overhanging branches. They also accept floating frozen foods like krill and brine shrimp. Dry foods are rarely accepted.

Water Quality:

Unlike other archerfish, this species requires pure freshwater rather than brackish water. Maintain pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and moderate hardness. Keep temperature warm, between 24 and 30 °C. Provide excellent filtration but avoid strong surface currents.

Compatibility and Cohabitation:

Peaceful with fish of similar size that occupy lower levels of the tank. Good tankmates include large rainbowfish, freshwater gobies, and peaceful catfish. Any small fish or insects at the surface will be treated as prey.

Aquarium Breeding:

Breeding has not been recorded in home aquariums. Very little is known about their reproductive biology in the wild, though it is believed they spawn during the wet season, scatter-releasing eggs near submerged vegetation.

Risks and Diseases:

High jump hazard; a tightly sealed lid is required to prevent escape during hunting attempts. Extremely sensitive to nitrate buildup and sudden water parameter changes, which can lead to stress, lethargy, and secondary skin infections.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Origin

Africa and MadagascarAustralia, New Guinea, and Oceania

Fish profile

Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Sex ratio: School
Feeding frequency: Twice daily
Bioload: This archerfish has a significant bioload. It consumes large meals and creates substantial waste. High-capacity filtration is necessary to maintain water quality.
Flow: Strong
Jump risk: Yes
Reproduction: Oviparous
Compatibility & tankmates: Peaceful
Tank level: Top

FishBase

Window to the official scientific data of the species

Data synced on: 06/15/2026

Scientific Parameters & Models

Trophic level: 3.2 ± 0.4 se
Resilience: High (less than 15 months)
Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50): 0.5156
Bayesian Length-Weight: a = 0.0166, b = 3

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Related species

Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.

Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Clouded archerfish

Toxotes blythii

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates