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Toxotes blythii, also called Myanmar Archerfish, is a Southeast Asian freshwater fish belonging to the Toxotidae family. Recognized by its elongated body and upward-facing mouth, it is one of the archerfish capable of shooting a stream of water at small prey above the waterline. Native to Myanmar, it is less common in aquariums than more widely distributed archerfish species. Successful care requires a spacious, tightly covered aquarium arranged to imitate a flowing river environment. Its surface-hunting behavior, carnivorous diet, and sensitivity to water quality make it better suited to experienced aquarists. A stable setup with open surface space allows its most characteristic behavior to be observed.

General species description

Toxotes blythii is a freshwater archerfish associated with waterways in Myanmar. It spends much of its time near the surface, where its body shape allows it to watch insects and other small prey resting on streamside vegetation. Its most spectacular behavior is the ability to eject a precise stream of water and knock prey into the water. This technique requires a clear line of sight between the fish and its target. The species is generally best maintained in a group when sufficient space is available, although it may chase very small fish and defend a feeding area. It remains uncommon in the aquarium trade. In captivity, it needs ample swimming space, clean water, and a tightly fitted cover because individuals may jump or splash water outside the aquarium.

Geographic origin and habitat

The species originates from Myanmar, in freshwater river environments of Southeast Asia. Its habitat includes rivers and stream sections with regular water movement and banks offering branches, leaves, or low vegetation above the surface. These structures provide observation points for fish hunting terrestrial prey. The habitat is generally associated with a mineral or gravel substrate, clear to lightly stained water, and low to moderate flow depending on the location. In an aquarium, effective filtration, well-distributed current, and open upper water provide a more suitable setting than an overly dense layout. A secure cover is essential, especially when the fish are fed at the surface.

Precise locality and local name

Toxotes blythii is associated with river basins in Myanmar, including the Tenasserim coastal region and southern freshwater networks. Its English common name, Myanmar Archerfish, refers directly to its country of origin and hunting technique. No single standardized Burmese vernacular name is consistently used throughout international aquarium literature. In the trade, the English name or scientific name is therefore usually used. This relatively restricted geographic origin helps explain its limited availability compared with other Toxotes. For identification, the stated origin, body shape, and coloration should be considered together rather than relying on an isolated trade name.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Toxotes blythii is elongated, laterally compressed, and adapted to life near the surface. Its head has an upward-angled mouth, a defining feature of archerfish that helps the fish target prey outside the water. The back is generally silvery to grayish, with dark vertical or irregular markings along the sides. The fins are relatively short, and the body profile supports quick movement at the surface. The mouth and forehead are among the species’ most distinctive features. Adults may reach approximately 15 cm. Markings can vary with age, condition, and geographic origin. An aquarium providing good swimming length and adequate water depth makes it easier to observe its shooting behavior.

General diet

Toxotes blythii is primarily an insectivorous predator. In nature, it captures terrestrial insects, small prey that fall onto the surface, and other organisms accessible from the upper water layer. In an aquarium, its diet should be varied and offered near the surface: suitable insects, frozen meaty foods, small crustaceans, and quality floating pellets can all be used. Live foods may stimulate its water-shooting hunting response, but should not be the only food offered. Young fish benefit from small, frequent meals, while adults can be fed more moderately. Very small tank mates should be avoided because they may be swallowed. A varied and regular carnivorous diet helps maintain body condition, stable coloration, and natural surface activity.

Essential data

• Native river name: Myanmar river basins
• Local name used: Myanmar Archerfish
• Origin of the scientific name: Name assigned by George Albert Boulenger
• Full-name etymology: Toxotes means archer or bow-shooter; blythii honors Edward Blyth
• Common/vernacular names: Myanmar Archerfish; Myanmar archerfish
• Family: Toxotidae
• Subfamily:
• Name pronunciation: tok-SOH-teez - BLITH-ee-eye
• Discovery: George Albert Boulenger, 1892
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 15 cm
• Water temperature and pH: Approximately 24 to 28 °C; near-neutral to slightly alkaline pH
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Mineral or gravel-bottomed waterways with low to moderate flow and branches or vegetation overhanging the banks
• Typical tank mates: Freshwater fish of similar size and sufficient robustness; avoid very small species
• Temperament and behavior: Active surface predator capable of shooting water at prey
• Water depth: Upper to middle water levels; deep, tightly covered aquarium
• Sexual dimorphism: Not strongly apparent externally
• Bottom configuration and flow: Mineral or gravel substrate; low to moderate current

In your aquarium

Success with Toxotes blythii depends on a long, covered, well-filtered aquarium with open surface space and stable water. Provide a varied carnivorous diet, side shelters, and moderate current. Since this species remains uncommon, use gradual acclimation and watch its behavior carefully. Toxotes blythii is offered exclusively by Ton.Fish in Canada, making it an especially interesting choice for aquarists looking for a less common archerfish.