Fin's Fish Guide
The Archer fish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is a brackish-water fish of the family Toxotidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; brackish mangrove estuaries, fresh and coastal water.
Description
The banded archerfish is the best-known archerfish of the family Toxotidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a deep, silvery, laterally compressed body with a few black, wedge-shaped crossbars and an upturned mouth. It lives mainly in brackish mangrove estuaries but also enters fresh and coastal water. Famous is its hunting technique: it shoots jets of water from its mouth with great precision to knock insects and small animals off overhanging branches and leaves, which then fall onto the water. It can also leap up to seize prey. The species is a popular aquarium fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Archer fish?
The Archer fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Shoots jets of water with great precision to shoot insects off overhanging plants; can also jump.
Where does the Archer fish live?
The Archer fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific; brackish mangrove estuaries, fresh and coastal water.
How big does the Archer fish get?
The Archer fish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Archer fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Archer fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Archer fish edible?
The Archer fish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Toxotes
More from the family Toxotidae
Want the complete picture on the Archer fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Archer fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.