Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) in natural habitat
πŸ“Έ FaunaWiki Verified Wildlife Photo

Banded Archerfish

Scientific Name: Toxotes jaculatrix
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IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is cataloged as Least Concern on the official IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

⚑ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)

  • Taxonomic Class: Fish & Marine Life
  • Dietary Niche: Carnivore (Insects, spiders, flies, aquatic worms)
  • Max Speed: 10 km/h (6 mph)
  • Adult Weight: 150 - 250 grams
  • Typical Lifespan: 5 - 10 years
  • Primary Habitat: Mangrove estuaries, brackish streams, river mouths
  • Native Region: Indo-Pacific (India, Australia, Southeast Asia)
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

πŸ“Š Physical & Biological Metrics

Class
Fish & Marine Life
Diet Type
Carnivore (Insects, spiders, flies, aquatic worms)
Habitat
Mangrove estuaries, brackish streams, river mouths
Lifespan
5 - 10 years
Adult Weight
150 - 250 grams
Top Speed
10 km/h (6 mph)
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Geographic Range & Distribution
Indo-Pacific (India, Australia, Southeast Asia)
Native Biome: Mangrove estuaries, brackish streams, river mouths

🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Perciformes
Family Toxotidae
Genus Toxotes
Species Binomial Toxotes jaculatrix

πŸ“– 1. Species Overview

The Archerfish is famous for shooting down land insects resting on overhanging branches by spitting high-precision jets of water up to 2 meters into the air.

🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations

Silvery body with 4-5 dark vertical bars, flat dorsal profile, large eyes, and a grooved roof of the mouth.

πŸ—ΊοΈ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range

Surface swimmers in brackish mangrove waters.

πŸ₯© 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics

Press tongue against mouth roof to fire water jets at insects on leaves above water.

🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy

Spawn in saltwater coral reefs, with larvae floating into mangroves.

πŸ›‘οΈ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection

Least Concern, common in mangrove swamps.

πŸ’‘ Fascinating Facts & Trivia

  • Archerfish adjust their water jet for light refraction through the water surface to hit insects accurately up to 2 meters away.
  • They can shoot multiple water jets in rapid succession like a squirt gun.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Banded Archerfish.

What is the scientific taxonomy of the Banded Archerfish? β–Ό

The Banded Archerfish is scientifically classified as Toxotes jaculatrix. It belongs to the genus Toxotes within the family Toxotidae, class Actinopterygii, and phylum Chordata.

Where does the Banded Archerfish live in the wild? β–Ό

In the wild, Banded Archerfishs inhabit Mangrove estuaries, brackish streams, river mouths. Their native geographic range primarily spans Indo-Pacific (India, Australia, Southeast Asia).

What do Banded Archerfishs eat in their natural habitat? β–Ό

The Banded Archerfish is classified as a Carnivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Mangrove estuaries, brackish streams, river mouths.

How fast can a Banded Archerfish move, and what is its typical size? β–Ό

A Banded Archerfish can achieve top speeds of 10 km/h (6 mph) and weighs approximately 150 - 250 grams. Its expected natural lifespan is 5 - 10 years.

What is the IUCN conservation status of the Banded Archerfish? β–Ό

The Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is currently designated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Cite this Article

FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) Species Profile."

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