Seven-spot Archerfish

The seven-spot archerfish is a remarkable species known for its unique hunting strategy and is found in the coastal and freshwater habitats of northern Australia.

These fish inhabit mangroves, estuaries, and slow-moving rivers across northern WA, NT, and QLD. While they can tolerate saltwater, they are often found far upstream in freshwater systems, showing a high level of adaptability.

Seven-spot archerfish are famous for their ability to shoot jets of water from their mouths to knock insects off overhanging branches. This hunting method relies on excellent vision and precise aim—skills that young archerfish improve with experience over time.

They feed on insects, small crustaceans, and plant matter. Their upward-facing eyes and flat-topped mouths are perfectly adapted for surface hunting, allowing them to spot and strike prey above the water.

These fish are generally social and can be found in small groups. They are also known for their ability to learn by watching others, a rare trait among fish and a subject of ongoing scientific interest.

Archerfish feature in the stories and knowledge systems of some Aboriginal communities in northern Australia, often celebrated for their precision and clever hunting method. In modern times, they’re also admired in aquariums for their unusual behaviour.

Although not currently under threat, healthy mangrove and freshwater ecosystems are crucial for the ongoing survival of the seven-spot archerfish in the wild.

Like all archerfish, the seven spot archerfish is able to squirt water at insects resting on vegetation overhanging the surface, causing them to fall in and become food for the archerfish. If an insect is low enough the archerfish may leap and grab it rather than squirt.