Fish That “Shoot” Water to be Featured in New Exhibit at the Aquarium

May 1, 2017

They don’t need a bow and arrow to hunt for food. Archerfish shoot water out of their mouth with a powerful blast to hunt insects near the surface of the water. Find out more about this fascinating adaptation as you explore the new outdoor Archerfish exhibit at the Aquarium of the Pacific this summer.

There are several species of archerfish. Banded archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) will be featured in the Aquarium’s new exhibit. This species is found in tropical brackish and fresh waters in Asia and Australia. Their habitat includes mangrove forest estuaries, and they can be found up rivers and streams. During the day, they feed at the surface of the water where they hunt for insects on overhanging vegetation and floating matter such as leaves. It was recently discovered that archerfish manipulate the shape of their mouths to expel water in such a way as to aim and shoot at prey with a forceful short burst of water that is more powerful on impact. This knocks the insect into the water where it is eaten by the fish.

The mangrove habitat of the archerfish is among the most threatened habitats in the world. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in coastal intertidal zones. Fish and other organisms find food and shelter from predators in their underwater roots. Mangrove forests are also important to humans by providing some protection from storms and waves that reach populated coastlines. Mangrove forests are under threat by human development and climate change. People can make a difference by supporting sustainable development and actions that reduce carbon footprints.

Public Debut: May 26, 2017
Press Preview: Thursday, May 25, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.