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The Archerfish, scientifically named the Toxotidae, is an oceanic saltwater(occasionally freshwater) fish most known for it’s sharpshooting abilities.
The Toxotidae is a part of a small 10 species family of fish called the Toxotes. It’s also in a larger classification of “ray-finned fish” and all of the fish in the species have rows of black stripes.
The fish is naturally found in mangroves in Tropical Asia and Northern Australia, and sometimes smaller freshwater ponds. It’s survival need for habitats like these, with warm water and dense vegetation, is its main source of food.
The Archerfish most commonly eats small bugs and like most fish will eat any other fish smaller than itself. Which in turn leads us to its clever adaptation.
The adaptation was that the fish has evolved to grow out its bottom lip, which allows the fish to almost “shoot” water at bugs out of water and other fish. It also helps them hunt without having to actually hunt and avoid predators.
Several predators for the Archerfish include a few species Crocodiles, semi-aquatic Birds of Prey, for example Egrets or Herons, and any fish larger than themselves like Sturgeons.
Another physical adaptation is that its smokey gray and black colors allow it to hide from predators above the water.
As of 2023 its status in IUCN Red List is Least Concern, however human interaction and climate change might change that. Humans are considered as a substitute predator due to overfishing, illegal trade, and being fished for zoos. And because of their size they are more sensitive to hot waters and would be at risk of boiling to death.
Fun Fact, as they are not native to the Americas, in the United States they are most commonly found in zoos and in restaurant aquariums.