Archerfishes
Archerfishes and riflefishes are the common names used for the Toxotidae family. These fish are fascinating due to their unique adaptations and behaviors. Distributed from India to the Philippines, Australia, and Polynesia, they are recognized by their moderately deep, compressed bodies, large eyes, dorsal fin positioned towards the rear of the body, and a moderately large, protractile mouth.
Archerfishes are particularly renowned for their extraordinary feeding mechanism. They inhabit shallow mangrove shores, brackish estuaries, and freshwater environments. Typically seen in small groups or sometimes alone near the surface, these fish use a specialized technique to hunt. They shoot jets of water with remarkable precision to knock insects off branches or from the air. This water-squirting ability is so accurate that it can reach distances of up to 2 meters and can hit targets as thin as a pencil. Their technique involves adjusting the size and shape of the water jet to account for the distance and angle, demonstrating sophisticated motor control and spatial awareness. Their ability to navigate complex environments and their unique feeding adaptations showcase the diverse strategies fish use to survive and thrive.
There is only one genus and about 7 species worldwide. Malaysian is represented by 3 species.
Archerfishes are particularly renowned for their extraordinary feeding mechanism. They inhabit shallow mangrove shores, brackish estuaries, and freshwater environments. Typically seen in small groups or sometimes alone near the surface, these fish use a specialized technique to hunt. They shoot jets of water with remarkable precision to knock insects off branches or from the air. This water-squirting ability is so accurate that it can reach distances of up to 2 meters and can hit targets as thin as a pencil. Their technique involves adjusting the size and shape of the water jet to account for the distance and angle, demonstrating sophisticated motor control and spatial awareness. Their ability to navigate complex environments and their unique feeding adaptations showcase the diverse strategies fish use to survive and thrive.
There is only one genus and about 7 species worldwide. Malaysian is represented by 3 species.
Scientific Name: Toxotes chatareus (Hamilton, 1822)
English Name: Spotted Archerfish, Seven-spot Archerfish, Largescale Archerfish
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 查达射水鱼(Chá dá shè shuǐ yú),
Malay Name | Bahasa Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Sumpit-sumpit, Sumpit Tanda
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาเสือพ่นน้ำ (Plā s̄eụ̄x ph̀nn̂ả)
Main Identification Features: Snout angular with lower jaw protruding. Dorsal head flattened. Dorsal spines 5-6. A series of 6-7 alternating large and small black spots.
Size: Maximum total length about 50 cm, very rarely exceeding 35 cm, commonly to about 25 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Euryhaline, inhabiting primarily brackish mangrove habitats, but also found in freshwater and coastal waters. In groups or solitary. Prefers areas with over-hanging vegetation. Relies heavily on vision to detect prey. Feeds mainly on crustaceans (crabs and shrimps) and insects. Insects are either shot down or taken as they float on the surface of water.
Scientific Name: Toxotes jaculatrix (Pallas, 1767)
English Name: Banded Archerfish, Northern Riflefish
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 射水鱼(Shèshuǐ yú),
Malay Name | Bahasa Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Sumpit-sumpit, Sumpit Belang
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาเสือพ่นน้ำน้ำกร่อย (Plā s̄eụ̄x ph̀nn̂ả n̂ảkr̀xy)
Main Identification Features: Snout angular with lower jaw protruding. Dorsal head flattened. Single dorsal fin situated far back on body with 4 stout sharp spines. 4 or 5 dark black bars on upper side.
Size: Maximum total length about 30 cm, commonly to about 20 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Euryhaline, inhabiting primarily brackish mangrove habitats, but also found in freshwater and coastal waters. In groups or solitary. Prefers areas with over-hanging vegetation. Relies heavily on vision to detect prey. Feeds mainly on crustaceans (crabs and shrimps) and insects. Insects are either shot down or taken as they float on the surface of water.
English Name: Spotted Archerfish, Seven-spot Archerfish, Largescale Archerfish
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 查达射水鱼(Chá dá shè shuǐ yú),
Malay Name | Bahasa Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Sumpit-sumpit, Sumpit Tanda
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาเสือพ่นน้ำ (Plā s̄eụ̄x ph̀nn̂ả)
Main Identification Features: Snout angular with lower jaw protruding. Dorsal head flattened. Dorsal spines 5-6. A series of 6-7 alternating large and small black spots.
Size: Maximum total length about 50 cm, very rarely exceeding 35 cm, commonly to about 25 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Euryhaline, inhabiting primarily brackish mangrove habitats, but also found in freshwater and coastal waters. In groups or solitary. Prefers areas with over-hanging vegetation. Relies heavily on vision to detect prey. Feeds mainly on crustaceans (crabs and shrimps) and insects. Insects are either shot down or taken as they float on the surface of water.
Scientific Name: Toxotes jaculatrix (Pallas, 1767)
English Name: Banded Archerfish, Northern Riflefish
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 射水鱼(Shèshuǐ yú),
Malay Name | Bahasa Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Sumpit-sumpit, Sumpit Belang
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาเสือพ่นน้ำน้ำกร่อย (Plā s̄eụ̄x ph̀nn̂ả n̂ảkr̀xy)
Main Identification Features: Snout angular with lower jaw protruding. Dorsal head flattened. Single dorsal fin situated far back on body with 4 stout sharp spines. 4 or 5 dark black bars on upper side.
Size: Maximum total length about 30 cm, commonly to about 20 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Euryhaline, inhabiting primarily brackish mangrove habitats, but also found in freshwater and coastal waters. In groups or solitary. Prefers areas with over-hanging vegetation. Relies heavily on vision to detect prey. Feeds mainly on crustaceans (crabs and shrimps) and insects. Insects are either shot down or taken as they float on the surface of water.
