Common Name: Burmese Clouded Archer
Scientific Name: Toxotes blythii
Other Names: Clouded Archerfish, Blyth’s Archerfish
The Burmese Clouded Archer is a rare and highly sought-after species of archerfish, known for its stunning clouded pattern, elongated body, and unique ability to shoot jets of water to knock down insects from overhanging vegetation. Unlike the more commonly seen Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix), this species is primarily freshwater, making it an exciting option for large freshwater aquariums.
Habitat and Distribution: Toxotes blythii is native to Myanmar (Burma), particularly in the Salween and Irrawaddy River basins. Unlike many other archerfish, which thrive in brackish waters, the Burmese Clouded Archer is typically found in freshwater rivers, streams, and flooded forests. These fish inhabit slow-moving to moderate-flow waters with dense overhanging vegetation, where they use their famous water-shooting ability to hunt insects.
Size and Lifespan: Burmese Clouded Archers grow up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in captivity, with some individuals reaching 14 inches (35 cm) in the wild. With proper care, they have a lifespan of 8-12 years, making them a long-term commitment for aquarists.
Diet and Behavior:
This species is carnivorous, preying on insects, small crustaceans, and fish in the wild. Their diet should include:
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Live or frozen insects (crickets, mealworms, small grasshoppers)
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Live or frozen crustaceans (brine shrimp, mysis shrimp)
- High-quality carnivore pellets
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Occasional small feeder fish (only if properly quarantined)
Burmese Clouded Archers are top-dwelling fish that prefer to stay near the water’s surface, where they scan for prey. They are relatively peaceful but may become territorial with each other, so they should be kept in groups of at least 3-5 individuals to reduce aggression. Their ability to spit water at prey is fully developed in captivity, and aquarists can encourage this natural behavior by placing insects on floating leaves or structures above the tank.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Toxotes blythii in captivity is extremely rare, with very few documented cases. In the wild, they spawn in flooded forest areas during the rainy season, where the eggs drift among submerged vegetation. To encourage breeding:
- Simulate a rainy season cycle with temperature and water level fluctuations
- Provide floating plants and overhanging branches for shelter
- Offer a high-protein diet to encourage spawning behavior
Eggs, if fertilized, are likely buoyant and drift with the current until hatching.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their large size, active nature, and need for surface space, Burmese Clouded Archers require a minimum tank size of 125 gallons, with larger setups (180+ gallons) preferred for groups. Their ideal tank setup includes:
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Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
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Decor: Floating plants, driftwood, and overhanging structures to encourage natural behavior
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Filtration: High-quality canister or sump filtration to maintain excellent water clarity
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Water Movement: Gentle to moderate flow, mimicking river conditions
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Lighting: Moderate, with areas of shade to replicate their natural environment
Ideal Tank Mates:
Burmese Clouded Archers are peaceful but predatory, meaning they should be housed with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include:
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Larger peaceful schooling fish (Denison Barbs, Silver Dollars, larger Rainbowfish)
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Bottom dwellers (Geophagus species, Plecos, Eartheater Cichlids)
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Other surface-dwellers (Arowanas, Freshwater Stingrays)
Avoid small fish, shrimp, or delicate species, as they may become prey.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced. While hardy, Burmese Clouded Archers require a large, well-maintained aquarium, a specialized diet, and careful tank mate selection.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 76-84°F (24-29°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 6-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (requires regular water changes)
Additional Information:
- Burmese Clouded Archers are one of the few archerfish species that thrive in pure freshwater, making them easier to keep than brackish counterparts.
- Their water-shooting ability develops early, and they will instinctively use it if given the opportunity.
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Fun fact: They adjust their aim based on light refraction, allowing them to accurately shoot down insects even when the prey appears distorted above the water’s surface.
The Burmese Clouded Archer is a rare and exciting species, offering both aesthetics and unique behavior in a properly maintained aquarium. With the right care, they become a centerpiece fish, showcasing their incredible hunting skills and intelligence.
