Archerfish is a group of large-eyed fish that can shoot drops of water from the mouth into the air with force and accuracy. Archerfish are found in southeastern Asia from India to Indonesia and the Philippines, and in Australia. They live in fresh or slightly salty water, often among the roots of mangrove trees. They grow as long as 16 inches (41 centimeters), but most are about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long.
An archerfish shoots water drops by squeezing its gill covers and forcing water forward along a groove located within the bones of the roof of its mouth. It can shoot water more than 3 feet (90 centimeters) into the air. Archerfish aim at insects on the stems and leaves of plants hanging over the water surface. They also shoot at spiders in webs above the water. When hit, the insects or spiders fall to the water, where the archerfish eats them.
