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Archer fish jumping prey capture: kinematics and hydrodynamics
Anna M Shih1, Leah Mendelson1, Alexandra H Techet2
1Experimental Hydrodynamics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|April 21, 2017
Summary
Archer fish (Toxotes microlepis) hunt by jumping from water, using distinct movements and fin propulsion for vertical acceleration. Their jumping energy is comparable to their water-spitting prey capture method.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Biomechanics
- Hydrodynamics
Background:
- Archer fish (Toxotes microlepis) are known for aquatic prey capture using water jets.
- These fish also exhibit a unique hunting strategy involving jumping out of the water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the kinematics and hydrodynamics of the archer fish's jumping behavior.
- To compare the energy expenditure of jumping with water-spitting prey capture.
Main Methods:
- High-speed imaging was employed to record the jumping motion.
- Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to analyze fluid dynamics and fin contributions.
Main Results:
- Jumping involves three distinct phases: sighting, thrust production, and gliding.
- Jump height and peak velocity correlate with tail strokes.
- Fin wakes (caudal, anal, pectoral, dorsal) significantly contribute to vertical acceleration during jump initiation.
Conclusions:
- Archer fish employ specialized kinematics for jumping, distinct from in-water strikes.
- The energy required for jumping is comparable to that of water spitting for prey capture.
- Multiple fins contribute to maximizing vertical acceleration under surface constraints.