Some fish are named for their shape, others for where they live, and others, as in this case, for their way of hunting. Today we're going to talk about the archer fish. It belongs to the genus Toxotes and there are several species among which the following stand out: Tochotes jaculatrix, Toxotes chatareus o Toxotes blythiiIts peculiar way of hunting was described by a naturalist named Pallas and has fascinated researchers and aquarists ever since.
In this article we will describe mainly the archerfish species Tochotes jaculatrix, known for its precision in knocking down prey with high-pressure water jets. Do you want to know everything about this fish and its way of life?
Key features
Its common name, archer fish, refers to to the mythological archer Sagittarius. It has been given this name because of its peculiar way of hunting, which we will see later. It has a certain popularity as an aquarium fish, although It is not a fish for beginners due to their specific needs for brackish water and space.
The body is deep, laterally compressed, and the head is slightly sloping. The V-shaped muzzle is well adapted to form a channel for the tongue during firing. His eyes are big and they have binocular vision that helps them estimate distances out of water, which is crucial when targeting prey on emerging branches or roots.
In aquariums it usually reaches lengths close to 15 to 20 cm, although it is not uncommon to see larger specimens if the tank allows it. In the wild, lengths of 25 to 30 cm in well-developed individuals. Most have a silver or white base color with dark vertical bands on the flanks that provide camouflage when observed from above, especially against aerial predators.
Aside from the black bands, it displays a subtle golden tinge along its back. The bands become triangular in shape along the middle of its sides, and the ventral area is cleaner. The outer edges of the dorsal and anal fins are often dark. Under optimal care, can live many years in captivity, often reaching figures much higher than those of their life in freedom.
The youngest specimens can be distinguished at first glance, as they present irregular yellow patches and a somewhat flatter and elongated body with a more pointed head. In other species of the genus there are differences in coloration: for example, T. chatareus It tends towards more smoky tones and can reach a larger size, with a different spot pattern than T. jaculatrix.
Habitat and area of ​​distribution
The archerfish is a species widely distributed in Tropical Asia and Oceania, from coastal areas of India and Southeast Asia to Papua New Guinea and northern Australia. Its natural habitat includes mangroves, brackish estuaries and riparian areas with hanging vegetation, where they find insects and other invertebrates to feed on.
It lives primarily in shallow, often murky waters, where its body color and stripes act as camouflage. As they age, many specimens They migrate between brackish, fresh and marine water depending on food availability and local hydrological cycles. Juveniles usually ascend rivers and streams, while adults can move towards nearby coral reefs to feed or spawn.
They develop especially well in estuaries and tidal zones, where salinity, hardness and pH are high. fluctuate throughout the day by the effect of the tides. This explains its remarkable tolerance to gradual changes, although as long as they are variations within appropriate ranges.
Regarding its presence in ecosystems, the archerfish usually occupies the surface layer of the water column, under mangrove branches and roots. They are not usually found in fast-flowing currents; they prefer calm or slow-flowing waters where they can aim and shoot accurately.
To keep it in an aquarium it is required large and stable space. It is a very fast-swimming and nervous species that appreciates long, unobstructed runs. A large tank for groups, with usual references between 300 and 500 liters for 4 or more specimens, and at least 210 liters to comfortably maintain a small group. Although some hobbyists have maintained it at a lower volume, a larger capacity reduces stress and aggression.
The aquarium water should be brackish. Salinity can be situated around an approximate specific gravity of 1.005 to 1.015, with pH between 7 and 8.5 and medium-high hardness. Avoid excessively soft water and use sea salt for aquariums instead of common salt. It tolerates warm temperatures well, within a guideline range of 24 to 30 ° C, it is advisable to maintain thermal stability.
It is essential a oversized filtration to control ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, since at high pH ammonia becomes more toxic. The aquarium should be perfectly covered, since archerfish can jump to capture prey. It is appreciated to include roots and emerging branches that simulate a mangrove and allow observation of their shooting behavior. Surface movement and clear swimming areas are key to their well-being.
Behavior of the jaculatrix toxotes
In order for them to live correctly, it is advisable that there be at least four copies in the aquarium. In small groups, hierarchical friction may occur; therefore, it is recommended to purchase fish from similar sizes to reduce bullying of children. Although it is often considered gregarious, It is not a peaceful fish: may show intraspecific aggression, especially during feeding or in confined spaces.
The best way to avoid conflict is to provide plenty of space, landmarks and visual structures, and maintain a uniform group. It is territorial towards slower fish or surface, so it is not advisable to mix it with species that it may intimidate or that may compete for the same food niche.
In coexistence, other brackish fish such as four eyes (Anableps), mudskippers (genus Periophthalmus), Large Mollys, as well as Monodactyls, Scats or some robust brackish puffers, can make suitable companions if the tank is large and the diet is well planned so that everyone can eatAvoid tiny species that may be seen as prey.
In the wild, behaviors of cooperative huntingSeveral archers can shoot at the same prey, and once it falls into the water, each individual competes to devour it. Hence, the fastest takes the prize, and sometimes the shooter isn't the one who ends up eating.
Archerfish feeding
The diet of the archerfish is mainly carnivorous and insectivorousIt feeds on insects and spiders that it finds on the surface of the water or on hanging leaves and branches. It also consumes small crustaceans, larvae, zooplankton, and, depending on the species and age, floating plant matterIt is common for juveniles to be more strictly insectivorous, and for adults to incorporate a variable percentage of plants.
In captivity, it prefers live food Surface feeders: small flies, crickets, winged ants, or mealworms. It can be supplemented with crustaceans, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, or adapted frozen prey. Over time, some will accept floating feed of good quality, but the real prey component stimulates their natural behavior and health.
To encourage their instinct, you can offer food placed in elevated areas: branches or even the aquarium glass, as many public aquariums do, so they can practice shooting. Avoid overusing de peces live as food because of the risk of parasites and nutritional deficiencies. Alternate menus and practice controlled fasting to prevent obesity.
In aquariums with coexistence, distribute the food in different places and times so that do not hoard all the fastest. Prey must be the right size to prevent choking and ensure each fish can swallow it without problems.
Way of hunting
From the beginning we mentioned that it has a peculiar way of hunting. The archerfish shoots jets of water under pressure through a channel formed by raising its tongue against the palate. The gill cover closes, and the jaw muscles propel the jet, which hits insects and spiders on low branches. When the prey falls into the water, the archer quickly swallows it.
The accuracy is amazing. Most archerfish They hit from distances close to one and a half meters, and large specimens can exceed this figure when conditions permit. Their ability to adjust the jet strength and modulate the shot pattern to improve impact against prey of different sizes or distances.
One of the keys to its success is that it corrects the effect of the refraction between air and water. Their eyes, with good binocular vision, and their sensory brain learn to estimate the prey's actual trajectory. Juveniles tend to miss more, but they learn through experience, even by watching other archers. They can train themselves to hit moving targets, which demonstrates a remarkable cognitive ability.
In addition to shooting out of the water, the archerfish can use its technique to generate underwater jets with which it lifts sediments and discovers small hidden dams. It is even capable of jump out of the water to catch prey directly if it considers that this will ensure the bite against competition from the group.
Reproduction
It is difficult to differentiate the sex between male and female of T. jaculatrix; external sexual dimorphism is minimal. Breeding in captivity is very difficult; in home aquariums there are hardly any records and are usually fortuitous. In professional facilities, spawning is associated with seasonal changes already moving to more marine areas, something difficult to replicate at home.
In the wild, archers are thought to spawn in brackish or sea water, in shallow lagoons or near reef structures. Fertilization gives rise to pelagic eggs that float and drift with the currents, improving their hatching chances in plankton-rich areas. Depending on the species and size of the parents, the number can vary from thousands to tens of thousands of eggsHatching is usually rapid, and the larvae require very fine planktonic food in their first hours of life.
When fertilization has been achieved in captivity, it is advisable to transfer the eggs to a separate breeding tank with controlled parameters to avoid predation. The fry feed on suspended microfauna and, as they grow, accept small insects and floating foods. During early development, it is vital to provide live food and avoid deficiencies that could compromise their growth.
In domestic aquariums it is not recommended to attempt to reproduce them unless you have advanced experience and specific means to manage salinity changes and planktonic larval stages. Due to its biology, the archerfish remains a major challenge in breeding, even for specialized facilities.
Aquarium care and key parameters
Archerfish come from areas where salinity, hardness, and pH vary with the tides. In the aquarium, it is advisable to provide stability within brackish ranges, avoiding sudden changes. A practical scheme is to maintain a specific gravity of approximately 1.005 to 1.015, a pH of 7 to 8.5, and medium to high hardness. temperature between 24 and 28 °C and powerful filtration. Never keep it in very soft water for extended periods of time.
Being a very swimming species, it leaves enough longitudinal space and breaks the line of sight with roots and trunks. An oversized filter helps avoid ammonia toxicity which increases with high pH. The tank should be well covered To prevent jumping. Introduce branches that extend above the water to stimulate their pulling behavior and facilitate environmental enrichment.
As for cohabitation, avoid mixing it with very small species or with timid surface fish. Suitable brackish water companions of similar size can work if there are enough space and food is managed for everyone.
More curiosities and adaptations
In addition to the trigger, its anatomy offers clues about its way of life. The dorsal fin is located delayed towards the caudal peduncle, the back is relatively flat and the head is located somewhat back with respect to the body, which allows it lurking just beneath the surface without revealing its silhouette to prey and predators. Its dorsal markings act as camouflage against birds.
Presents great learning plasticity: It can improve its aim with practice, recognize complex visual patterns, and even distinguish human faces after training. This cognitive ability makes it a highly prized display animal in public aquariums.
In some botanical gardens and controlled spaces, it has been used as biological pest control Insect repellents can be used on water lily ponds, always under very specific conditions. However, their use as pest control is not a domestic solution and requires adequate facilities and expert personnel.
Additional information and useful notes
– Life expectancy: in the wild there are estimates of few years, while in well-cared-for captivity it can reach long periods thanks to a controlled diet and absence of predators.
– Maintenance in groups: buy specimens of the same size Reduces bullying. Maintaining 4 or more helps distribute aggression, provided there is sufficient volume.
– Practical feeding: if he does not respond to feed, offer small live prey and mix with high quality floating granules. Sticking insects to the glass at low altitude is an effective method to stimulate the shot.
– Water quality: carry out regular partial changes and measure ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, salinity, pH, and temperature. Stability is the best ally against stress and infections.
Original content supplemented
Its common name, archerfish, refers to the mythological archer Sagittarius. It was given this name because of its peculiar hunting style, which we'll discuss later. It's quite popular as an aquarium fish, but it's very difficult to care for. It's a species that serves as a challenge for those with extensive aquarium experience.
His body is quite deep and his head is tilted. The muzzle is V-shaped and has some markings. Its eyes are large and capable of adapting for vision that gives it the ability to see when there is prey on it. This way you can react in time and hit her.
When this fish is in aquariums, it usually reaches a length of 15 centimeters. In the wild lengths of up to 30 cm have been recordedThe vast majority have a bright silver or more white color with some vertical black bands.
Apart from the black bands, they have a golden tinge that runs along their entire back. The bands take on a triangular shape when they are in the middle of the fish on the sides. Underneath their body, they have no markings. The outer edges of the anal and dorsal fins are black. Their life expectancy in good condition amounts to 10 years.
The youngest specimens can be seen with the naked eye as they have some irregular yellow patches. They have a more flattened and elongated body with a more pointed head.
The archer fish is a species of saltwater fish and can be found in Tropical Asia and Australia, mainly. The areas where they are most abundant are in places like Papua New Guinea and northern Australia. Their habitat is saltwater mangroves, where they spend time cruising the reefs in search of food. The older species are solitary species that travel toward coral reefs, while the younger ones move to rivers and streams.
They develop in estuaries and saline waters between the mangroves. They are capable of migrating to fresh waters as well in case of food shortage.
To keep it in an aquarium it is required a large-capacity tankAlthough it is an independent and even somewhat aggressive fish, it is recommended to keep it with fish of the same species from the Toxotes family or with robust brackish companions that share its parameters.
Archerfish come from areas where salinity, hardness and pH vary throughout the day as a result of the tides. Therefore the waters have to be very hard with a pH around alkaline values. Never keep it in soft water. It tolerates high temperatures well. Keep between 24 and 28°C.
As this is a very swimming species, we must ensure that we leave enough space for it. The filter must be oversized to avoid ammonia toxicity which becomes more toxic as water hardness and pH increase. It's important to maintain the same aquatic conditions as its habitat to avoid disease and infection.
For them to live properly, there must be at least four specimens in the aquarium. They can be aggressive towards fish of the same kind if they are of different sizes.The best way to avoid this situation is to buy all the fish of the same size.
It is necessary that the aquarium water be brackish. It is advisable not to introduce them with other species de peces more competitive or territorial, as they would cause chaos. Other brackish fish such as four-eyes, mudskippers, or large mollies can make good tank mates, as can monkeys, scats, and some puffers.
The archerfish's diet is primarily carnivorous. They generally feed on insects and spiders that are capable of hunting on the surface of the water. We will see the peculiar way of hunting in the next section. It can also feed on other small fish and crustaceans.
If this species is cared for in captivity in an aquarium, they will prefer live invertebrates, small live insects and small fish, in addition to quality floating foods once accustomed.
Since we have begun to describe the archer fish, we have mentioned that it has a peculiar way of hunting. It is a way that this fish has developed to hunt. And is that is capable of shooting a jet of pressurized water at its prey through a groove in the roof of their mouths. The jet of water comes out with great force. It is capable of hitting insects and spiders that are perched on the lower branches near water. Once they fall to the surface of the water, they are quickly eaten.
It seems as if the archerfish, over time, has learned to know exactly where its prey is going to fall. They are tremendously Quick when devouring their prey.
To shoot the water jet, you need to raise your tongue against the roof of your mouth. In this way you can shape the jet into a tube and the cover closes quickly to give it strength. Most archer fish they are capable of shooting up to distances of 1,5 meters. Some wild specimens, whose length is greater, have been seen launching up to 3 meters away.
Once the prey is knocked down by the shot, the archer fish swims at high speed to the landing site. They reach their prey in just hundredths of a secondThere are some studies on the archerfish and its great shooting. Hundreds have been analyzed. de peces and it has been concluded that they could be trained to hit moving objects. The ability to hit moving targets is a slowly learned behavior.
It is difficult to differentiate the sex between male and femaleBreeding them in captivity is very difficult. They must be kept in very large groups if they are to be bred. There's no way to force them to reproduce; they must be allowed to do so on their own. To date, they have only reproduced a few times in aquariums, and only by accident.
When the female is fertilized many floating eggs are released that remain on the surface to improve their chances of hatching. When this happens, it's advisable to transfer them to another tank until they hatch. Time is short, and the fry eat insects and floating flake foods. It's better to prioritize live food so that they do not lose their instinct.
This fish is very famous and difficult to care for, but if you are an aquarium expert, it is quite a challenge.
Whoever dares to keep archers discovers a fish intelligent, active and unique, capable of behaviors rarely seen in aquarium fish. With a well-planned system, stable brackish water, generous space, and a varied diet, their maintenance becomes an enriching experience that showcases the extraordinary biology of tropical mangroves.