Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) Live Together?
Amazon Leaf Fish and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Behaviour & Temperament
Amazon Leaf Fish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Banded Archerfish (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Amazon Leaf Fish.
Amazon Leaf Fish and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) both frequent the Top (Surface) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: Amazon Leaf Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Amazon Leaf Fish (5–6.8) and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) (7–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Amazon Leaf Fish needs 0–8 dGH while Banded Archerfish (Brackish) requires 15–30 dGH.
Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.
Tank Setup
To house Amazon Leaf Fish and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 360 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.
Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Amazon Leaf Fish and Banded Archerfish (Brackish).
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
450 Liter (150cm Standard)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Amazon Leaf Fish and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) need?
A minimum of 360 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for Amazon Leaf Fish and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 29°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Amazon Leaf Fish or Banded Archerfish (Brackish) aggressive?
Amazon Leaf Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Amazon Leaf Fish and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Amazon Leaf Fish prefers 5–6.8, while Banded Archerfish (Brackish) needs 7–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
Does Amazon Leaf Fish being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Amazon Leaf Fish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Amazon Leaf Fish during evening hours.
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