Collection: Aus Natives

Archer Fish (Toxotes spp.)

The Archer Fish is a fascinating and unique species renowned for its remarkable ability to "shoot" jets of water to knock insects off overhanging vegetation into the water. This behavior makes it a captivating addition to any aquarium. Native to brackish and freshwater environments in Southeast Asia and Australia, the Archer Fish boasts a sleek silver body with striking black markings. Its active nature and unusual hunting techniques make it a favorite among aquarists looking for something truly distinctive.

Product Details

• Species: Toxotes spp.
• Common Names: Archer Fish
• Origin: Southeast Asia, Northern Australia
• Light Requirements: Moderate
• pH Range: 7.0 – 8.0
• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
• Maximum Size: 15 – 20 cm (6 – 8 inches)
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Available Size: 7 cm

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Archer Fish thrive in brackish water aquariums but can also adapt to freshwater conditions. A tank with ample swimming space and a mix of open areas and plants is ideal. Adding driftwood and overhanging decorations mimics their natural habitat and encourages natural hunting behaviors. Because they are jumpers, a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent escapes. Moderate lighting and good filtration will help maintain a healthy environment.

Water Parameters:
Archer Fish prefer slightly brackish water with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0 and temperatures between 24°C and 28°C. Adding a small amount of marine salt to the water helps replicate their natural conditions. Regular water changes and maintaining stable water quality are crucial for their health and well-being.

Diet:
Archer Fish are carnivorous and enjoy a varied diet of live and frozen foods, including brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small insects. They also accept high-quality carnivore pellets. Offering live food, such as crickets or fruit flies, above the waterline can encourage their natural hunting behavior, providing both enrichment and exercise.

Growth and Maintenance:
Archer Fish grow at a moderate rate, reaching an adult size of 15–20 cm. They are relatively hardy and low-maintenance, but due to their unique dietary and habitat needs, they are best suited for intermediate aquarists. Regularly clean the tank and monitor water parameters to ensure optimal health.

Compatibility:

Archer Fish are peaceful but can become territorial with their own kind in smaller tanks. They are best kept with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish such as monos, scats, or rainbowfish. Avoid keeping them with very small fish or invertebrates, as these may be seen as prey. A group of 4–6 Archer Fish in a spacious tank fosters natural schooling behavior and reduces stress.

Availability:
Archer Fish (Toxotes spp.) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this extraordinary and captivating fish to your aquarium today!

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

The Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is a majestic and iconic fish species native to Australian and Southeast Asian waters. Renowned for its sleek silver body, powerful swimming, and adaptability, the Barramundi is a popular choice for aquarists looking to house a large and dynamic predatory fish. Its hardy nature and impressive size make it ideal for experienced aquarists with spacious aquariums or ponds.

Product Details

• Species: Lates calcarifer
• Common Names: Barramundi, Asian Sea Bass
• Origin: Northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and Indo-West Pacific
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 120 cm (47 inches) in the wild; typically 60–80 cm (24–31 inches) in captivity
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Advanced

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Barramundi require a spacious tank of at least 1000 liters to accommodate their size and active swimming behavior. A strong filtration system is essential to maintain water quality, as they are large and produce significant waste. Include driftwood, rocks, and open swimming areas to replicate their natural habitat. If housed in outdoor ponds, ensure they have proper aeration and shading.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 7.0 – 8.0
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5–15 dGH)
• Salinity: Freshwater to brackish (Barramundi can adapt to a range of salinity levels)

Diet:
Barramundi are carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet. Feed them a mix of live or frozen foods such as prawns, fish fillets, and crustaceans. As they grow, they can be transitioned to high-quality pellets formulated for predatory fish. Feed them 1–2 times daily, adjusting portion sizes as they mature.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Barramundi are semi-aggressive and predatory, best suited to species-specific setups or tanks with other large, robust fish. Avoid housing them with smaller tankmates, as they may view them as prey. Ensure adequate space to minimize territorial disputes and aggression.

Growth and Maintenance:

Barramundi grow rapidly, reaching up to 60–80 cm in captivity, and require consistent care to thrive. Regular water changes, efficient filtration, and a balanced diet are critical for maintaining their health. Due to their size and predatory nature, they are best suited for experienced aquarists or those with large aquariums or ponds.

Availability:
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) are available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and bring home this impressive and iconic fish to your aquarium or pond today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.