Latin name

Toxotes microlepis

Identification

The smallscale archerfish has a pointed snout and large eyes. Their back is relatively flat and their belly is curved. The lateral line usually consists of 40 to 42 scales, though some specimens found in the Mekong had 34 to 37. Toxotes microlepis has a shorter snout than other archerfish species. The species Toxotes blythii was previously considered to be the same as Toxotes microlepis. However, differences in structure and colouration led to the classification of Toxotes blythii as a new species.

Features of fish fins

They have a single dorsal fin comprising four or five stiff rays.

Fish colouring

Like other archerfish, they have dark, wedge-shaped stripes or spots on their sides that may be yellow or silver. They are sometimes mistaken for the banded archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix). Both species have four or five stiff, wedge-shaped rays in their dorsal fins. However, the stripes of the banded archerfish extend to the dorsal fin, whereas those of the Toxotes microlepis stop below it, and there is an additional dark spot on the fin itself.

Distribution

Smallscale archerfish inhabit large rivers and estuaries in Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. They can be found in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins, as well as in the waters around the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.

Habitat

A tropical, pelagic, potamodromous species that prefers freshwater and brackish water.

Size

They are the smallest species of archerfish. In the wild, they reach a maximum length of 15 centimetres, whereas in captivity they reach a maximum length of 12 centimetres.

Behavior

This species of fish is found near the shore, in both flowing and standing water. It typically lives under overhanging vegetation. It is classified as 'freshwater' because, unlike some other archerfish species, it does not enter saltwater at any point in its lifetime. It is more commonly found far from river mouths than other species in the same genus.

Food and feeding habits

Smallscale archerfish feed on insects, zooplankton, crustaceans and insect larvae found on land.

Reproduction

They spawn at the beginning of the rainy season, which replaces dry periods in the tropics. They reach sexual maturity at one year of age and typically live for no more than three years.

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

These fish are harmless. They are edible. They are sold fresh.

Interesting facts

The fish creates a narrow channel in its palate by pressing its tongue against a groove. It then squeezes its gill covers, pushing water through the channel and out of its mouth. This hunting method is characteristic of archerfish and is known as 'water jet shooting'.