banded archerfish
ExploreFish
banded archerfish
Toxotes jaculatrix
The banded archerfish is a cool fish known for its amazing ability to shoot water at insects above the water! They live in rivers and can be found in warm waters. Watching them is like seeing a little water shooter in action!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The banded archerfish has a distinctive, silver body adorned with four to six prominent black vertical bands. It features a pointed snout and large, upward-facing eyes, perfectly adapted for hunting targets above the water surface.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilyToxotidaeGenusToxotes
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Archerfish have amazing vision to spot tiny insects many feet away!
Some archerfish prefer to hunt in groups, working together for a meal!
Their eyes are specially designed to see both above and below the water!
They can learn quickly and even improve their aim with practice!
Special abilities
Ability
Precision Spitting
Banded archerfish can shoot powerful jets of water because of their specialized mouth structure that helps them knock down insects from branches.
Ability
Refraction Vision
Banded archerfish has keen vision that helps them correct for light bending, ensuring accurate shots at prey from underwater.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-30 cm
- Weight
- 0.05-0.3 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-7 years
- Swim Speed
- 5 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 2 m
- Water Type
- Brackish
Diet & Feeding
Shoots down insects and small animals with water for a meal.
Primary Foods
- insects
- spiders
- small crustaceans
- larvae
- tiny fish
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
House fly
Musca domestica
A common aerial insect prey for archerfish.
hunts
Mosquito
Culex pipiens
Frequently targeted insect, often found near water.
eaten by
Barramundi
Lates calcarifer
A larger predatory fish sharing similar habitats.
shelters
Red Mangrove
Rhizophora mucronata
Provides habitat and perching spots for prey.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch fish from a safe distance and don't try to touch them in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is banded archerfish?
15-30 cm
How much does banded archerfish weigh?
0.05-0.3 kg
How long does banded archerfish live?
5-7 years
What does banded archerfish eat?
Shoots down insects and small animals with water for a meal.
How fast can banded archerfish swim?
5 km/h
Where is banded archerfish usually found?
Coastal areas
How does banded archerfish hunt?
Ambush
How deep can banded archerfish go?
2 m
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