Common Name(s): Banded Archerfish Scientific Name: Toxotes Jaculatrix Local Name(s): [Md]射水鱼(Se4 Shui3 Yu2), [My]Ikan Sumpit Precaution: Harmless Edible: Yes but uncommon CNR Time: 1 min
This is one interesting fish to watch and catch. They
are usually found in brackish waters and swampy areas, feeding on insects
that fall off overhanging plants or canal walls. If they insects don't
fall, archerfish can shoot a jet of water like a watergun on insects
to make them fall, it's fun to watch. You can hover a insect or something
that looks like a insect over water with a string attached and they'll
fire away.
Insects are their natural food, so that makes the best
bait to catch them. It doesn't really matter if the insect is still
alive or not, archerfish easily recognize them and will take them readily.
Make sure the bait does not sink underwater, the archerfish will not
go after it. You can also twitch the line to mimic a live insect and
to attract their attention. Big archerfishes are overly cautious and
sharp though. Insect flies work wonders but first you have to catch
them.
Archerfish are not commonly known to be caught for consumption.
You can keep it as a pet, but otherwise do release it back if you have
no use for it.