Can Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Forktail Blue-eye Live Together?
Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Forktail Blue-eye are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. 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
Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Forktail Blue-eye is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Banded Archerfish (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Forktail Blue-eye.
Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Forktail Blue-eye 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.
There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..
Worth noting: 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 15–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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.
Tank Setup
To house Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Forktail Blue-eye 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: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Forktail Blue-eye live together?▾
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Forktail Blue-eye 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 Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Forktail Blue-eye together?▾
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Banded Archerfish (Brackish) or Forktail Blue-eye aggressive?▾
Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is moderately assertive (6/10) and Forktail Blue-eye is peaceful (2/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Forktail Blue-eye need?▾
Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
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