Fin's Fish Guide
The Archer fish (Toxotes chatareus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Toxotidae that grows up to 40 cm.
South and Southeast Asia and northern Australia; brackish mangrove estuaries and fresh water.
Description
The largescale archerfish is an archerfish of the family Toxotidae from South and Southeast Asia and northern Australia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a deep, silvery, laterally compressed body with an upturned mouth and a few dark spots on the back. It lives mainly in brackish mangrove estuaries but also penetrates fresh water. Famous is its hunting technique: it shoots aimed jets of water from its mouth to knock insects and small animals off overhanging branches and leaves, which then fall onto the water. It also eats insects, small invertebrates and plant matter at the surface. 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 spots pattern. Shoots aimed jets of water to shoot insects off overhanging plants and eat them.
Where does the Archer fish live?
The Archer fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. South and Southeast Asia and northern Australia; brackish mangrove estuaries and fresh water.
How big does the Archer fish get?
The Archer fish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 25 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.