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Updated: Nov 11, 2025
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Flapping Soft Fin Deformation Modeling using Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: April 28, 2022
2.3K
Archerfish coordinate fin maneuvers with their shots.
Peggy Gerullis1, Caroline P Reinel1, Stefan Schuster1
1Department of Animal Physiology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|March 31, 2021
Summary
Archerfish use rapid fin movements, particularly pectoral and pelvic fins, to stabilize their bodies during projectile water spitting. These coordinated fin maneuvers enhance accuracy and power for capturing aerial prey.
Area of Science:
- Ethology
- Biomechanics
- Ichthyology
Background:
- Archerfish (Toxotidae) are known for their unique hunting strategy of spitting water jets to dislodge aerial prey.
- The biomechanics of archerfish water spitting have been studied, but the role of fin movements remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise coordination between archerfish fin kinematics and water jet release.
- To determine the functional role of fin maneuvers in stabilizing the fish during shooting.
Main Methods:
- Observation and kinematic analysis of pectoral, pelvic, and other fin movements in archerfish during water spitting.
- Study involved fish trained to shoot from fixed and free positions at varying target heights.
- Analysis of fin movements in 28 archerfish across two species.
Main Results:
- Archerfish exhibit synchronized rapid pectoral fin flapping just before and during water jet release.
- Pelvic fins adduct slowly at the start of the jet and remain still post-release.
- Fin activation patterns were consistent across individuals and shooting angles, varying with target height.
Conclusions:
- Fin maneuvers are crucial for stabilizing archerfish during water spitting.
- These coordinated movements are integral to the precision and power of archerfish hunting at distance.
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