How Do Archerfish Shoot Their Prey?

Written by Cindy Rasmussen
Published: February 28, 2023
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Take cover! If you are an insect minding your own business along the river’s edge and you live in archerfish territory you better be on guard! Archerfish can shoot down their prey to snag themselves some dinner. But how do they do this? Can they really shoot a spider that is 5 feet away? Are they pretty good shots or do they miss a lot? Read on to find out how archerfish shoot down their prey!

What is an Archerfish?

An archerfish is a fish that uses a jet stream of water to shoot down its prey. There are 9 different species of archerfish ranging in size from 5-7 inches with the largest reaching nearly 16 inches long. Their smaller size makes it easier for them to hide just below the surface. Their coloration also provides camouflage with a silvery background color and black banding. One of the unique features of the archerfish are their large eyes that are located in such that they can provide binocular vision. More on the accuracy with binocular vision later!

An archerfish uses a jet stream of water to shoot down its prey

An archerfish uses a jet stream of water to shoot down its prey, knocking it down into the water where they can snatch it and eat it.

©Roberto Dani/Shutterstock.com

Where Do Archerfish Live?

Archerfish can be found in freshwater rivers and streams but can also live in brackish waters and occasionally along the coastal marshes. They live in Southeast Asia as well as in Northern Australia. In these areas you may find them in mangrove swamps that provide a lot of cover.

How do Archerfish Shoot Down Their Prey?

Archerfish shoot down their prey by projecting a stream of water through their mouth towards its prey, knocking it down into the water where they can snatch it and eat it. Similar to how you can put your thumb at the end of a garden hose to create a stronger water stream, the archer fish uses its tongue to press up on the roof of its specially grooved mouth. The small narrow space condenses the water flow giving it pressure to shoot further. Archerfish use their gills to ingest water that can be used in their jet stream of “spit”.

Are Archerfish “Good Shots”?

Yes! Archerfish are remarkably accurate in nailing their prey! It takes some incredible calculations to be able to aim from underwater to hit a small insect that is above the water. The fish use their binocular vision and are thought to be good at distinguishing between the backgrounds of their prey. They primarily hunt during the day since they are so dependent on their vision for detecting prey.

Archerfish in mangrove water

Archerfish live in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia where they can be found in mangrove swamps that provide a lot of cover.

©iStock.com/daboost

How Far Can An Archerfish Shoot?

Archerfish can shoot down prey that is five feet away! Think about how far that is! Remember archerfish are only about 5-7 inches long and they can shoot their spit stream five feet. We are all quite accustomed to the “6 feet” rule of social distancing so that is just a foot shorter. Different species can shoot further or less far, usually dependent on the specie’s size.

How Do Archerfish Learn to Shoot Down Their Prey?

Archerfish are not born knowing how to shoot down their prey, they have to learn it. They seem to be mostly observational learners, watching the older archerfish and repeating what they see. Researchers determine that archerfish learn by using context-dependent choices, that means if they catch something that is foul tasting they will avoid it in the future. If they catch something good it reinforces that type of prey and they will search those out. The accuracy piece seems to be learned as well. If they miss the first time they will shoot again until they take down their prey. They sometimes will even leap out of the water to catch insects and spiders along the shoreline.

Do Archerfish Hunt Alone or in Groups?

Archerfish hunt in groups of four to five and the juveniles often congregate in larger groups. These small groups will swim near the surface looking for prey and when they come upon something they will poke just their snout out, the eyes remain underwater, and thrust a squirt of water. They really do have remarkable accuracy! Once the prey falls in the water they eat it immediately.

Archerfish school

Archerfish hunt in groups of four to five and the juveniles often congregate in larger groups.

©Arthurit Chamsat/Shutterstock.com

Can Archerfish Shoot Water Underwater?

Yes! Archerfish can shoot water underwater. Like an underwater squirt gun they can use the pressure from their mouths to create a stream to move sand to uncover hidden prey. Besides insects and spiders, archerfish eat small crustaceans. Many of these crustaceans hide just below the sand and can be disrupted by a powerful jet stream. Researchers found that underwater shots are at close range vs long distances. This skill gives them the ability to hunt for food below water in addition to being able to shoot insects along the shore.

What Eats Archerfish?

Archerfish are hard to catch! They are agile swimmers and have excellent eye sight so they can avoid most birds that may try to attack from above. However birds do eat archerfish, often preying on the younger juveniles. Larger fish often prey on smaller archerfish as well as some of the adults. Their lifespan in the wild is typically around two years.

What is the Best Name for a Submarine?

The Archerfish! Makes sense! There was a US submarine named the Archerfish. The USS Archerfish (SS-311) was launched on May 28, 1943 and was an important part of World War II history. The Archerfish was responsible for sinking the largest warship by a submarine. It took down the Shinano, a Japanese aircraft carrier. Later the submarine was used in important oceanographic research for Operation “Sea Scan” where scientists studied weather conditions, temperatures and oceans depths. It was continued to be used in research until it was finally decommissioned in 1968.

Are Researchers Still Studying Archerfish?

Yes! These fascinating creatures that seem to be able to learn at higher levels and are also remarkably accurate shooters still intrigue scientists. A recent study put out by the journal Integrative Organismal Biology from researchers at the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum looked at how these fish are related to other similar fish and how did they evolve to be able to have such a skill! It will be interesting to follow this research over the years to see if other fish evolve to have similar skills or if it will remain within the archerfish species. Truly a remarkable little fish!  

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Henner Damke/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".

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