 wetlandsa publication of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve |
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10 No 5 New Outdoor Classroom Reforestation and Reach Out Programome: Part 2 - The Project Launch Marine Fish Programme Archers of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Bird ringing in Kenya, East Africa Tranquility |
The start of the “Marine Fish Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR) has brought to attention the wonders of the local marine fish, and enabled an appreciation of the biodiversity and the marine environment here at SBWR. The highlight has now fallen on the importance between man and fish, not only for minor fisheries but for commercial aquarium trade too. What better way then to marvel at two species of archerfish than to see them in their wild environment! These fish are easily spotted at Sungei Buloh near the main bridge and around the sluice gates. This truly unique specialist, the archerfish, belongs to the family called Toxotidae. The two species found here are the more commonly spotted Banded archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) and the Spotted archerfish (Toxotes chatareus), which ironically, not as its name suggests, is not so easily spotted! These fish are notable for their habit of preying on insects and other small animals by squirting beads of water from their mouth and shooting them down. They have been known to shoot water up to a distance of about 5ft.They are remarkably accurate in their shooting, and an adult fish is said to be almost able to hit their targets with their first shot. Their deep compressed bodies give them a straight line profile which allows it to creep up on its prey. In general the Banded archerfish is easier to spot because of their elongated spot markings adorning the sides of their bodies, as well as black and yellow markings on their dorsal and anal fins. To spot the Spotted archerfish, one would have to look out for their “golden eye lids” and spots between the elongated bands. So come and try to spot these unique hunters.  |
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