Toxotes Jaculatrix (Noun)
Meaning
Any of several small freshwater fishes that catch insects by squirting water at them and knocking them into the water; found in Indonesia and Australia.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Toxotes jaculatrix, a type of archerfish, can often be found in shallow waters near vegetation in Indonesian rivers.
- In the northern territories of Australia, the toxotes jaculatrix has adapted to the mangrove forests, where it preys on small crustaceans and insects.
- Aquarists specializing in freshwater fish often attempt to keep toxotes jaculatrix in captivity, despite their unique feeding habits requiring live food.
- During breeding season, the toxotes jaculatrix migrates to the brackish waters of estuaries and river mouths to lay eggs.
- Scientists have observed the toxotes jaculatrix employing a clever strategy of spitting water to dislodge its prey from tree roots above the water's surface.