Tankmates: Best with other brackish fish of similar size that use the lower water column, such as monos and scats (in a large tank).
Feeding: Surface feeders; sinking food is often ignored. Most accept floating pellets once settled; live insects encourage natural spitting behaviour.
1–0 of 0
Archer fish are famous for one trick: they spit a jet of water to knock insects off leaves above the surface, then snap them up as they fall. In Malaysia they are known as ikan sumpit, after the blowpipe, and they are a true local fish, found naturally in our mangroves, estuaries and lower rivers.
They suit hobbyists who want an interactive, surface-dwelling fish for a mangrove-style or open-top tank. FishyHub lists archer fish from Malaysian aquarium shops and sellers, with prices in RM.
The most familiar species, silver with bold black bands along the back. It is naturally brackish, but juveniles are often sold and kept in fresh water.
Very similar in shape, with more broken spots than bands. It tolerates fresh water well and is widespread in Southeast Asian rivers. The two species are often mixed up in listings, which matters little for care.
Less common species, such as the smallscale archer fish, turn up occasionally. Ask the seller for the scientific name if you want a particular one.
| Care point | Archer fish |
|---|---|
| Temperature | About 25–30°C, so Malaysian room temperature works without a heater. |
| Minimum tank | 4 kaki (120 × 45 × 50 cm, about 230–270 L) for a small group of adults. |
| Water | Fresh water is fine for juveniles; many do better in light brackish water as adults. |
| Temperament | Peaceful with similar-sized fish, but will eat small fish. Can squabble with each other. |
| Diet | Floating pellets, insects such as crickets, bloodworm and small prawns. |
| Beginner-friendly? | Intermediate. Hardy, but they need space and the right food. |
Adults usually reach about 15–25 cm depending on species, so a small juvenile will outgrow a 2-foot tank.
Archer fish spend their time near the surface, so prioritise length and width over height. A lower water level with branches, Malaysian driftwood (kayu akuarium) or emersed plants above the waterline lets them hunt. Many keepers train them to shoot by sticking a cricket or pellet onto a leaf or the glass above the water.
Keep a secure lid or a high rim, because they jump well. Gentle to moderate flow is fine. Good tankmates are calm, similarly sized fish such as monos, scats, larger rainbowfish or silver dollars, depending on the salinity you choose.
Check the species name and current size, and whether the photo shows the actual fish. Ask the seller whether the fish is kept in fresh or brackish water so you can match it when you acclimatise. Confirm delivery or self-collect options and the seller's live-arrival policy. Prices in RM depend mainly on size and species.
Boleh, terutamanya ikan muda. Ikan sumpit dewasa biasanya lebih sihat dalam air payau yang sedikit masin. Tanya penjual sama ada ikan itu dibela dalam air tawar atau air payau.
Ikan sumpit makan serangga seperti cengkerik, pelet terapung, cacing darah dan udang kecil. Ia suka makan di permukaan air.
Yes, they will eat fish small enough to fit in their mouth, such as small tetras and guppies.
Yes, a group of three or more in a large tank spreads out squabbling and looks more natural.
Yes, or at least a high rim above the water. They can jump out when startled.
Browse ikan sumpit from Malaysian sellers and compare sizes and prices in RM. For a full mangrove display, also look at scats, monofish and Malaysian driftwood.
No products found
