Archer Fish - Freshwater !  
 

In February 2007, for the first time in the world, Ausyfish spawned and hatched the first freshwater archer fish. Brood fish were collected in the dry season of 2004 and held in freshwater ponds. Brood fish were collected in freshwater, raised and conditioned in freshwater. All spawning and raising of larvae was done in pure freshwater. So far fish have been raised to 13 cm.

  
 

This breakthrough comes after 3 years of on farm development research. Brood fish behaviour has been studied carefully by Alan Sambell, farm manager. Finally the time was right to give a spawning attempt a go. This resulted in the first successful spawn of this species in the world.

Pictured right is a view of three day-old larvae.

 

  
  Below left: A group of larvae. Below right: Alan Sambell, who managed this project, examines a jar containing hundreds of tiny archer fish larvae.  
   
  Right, Close view of a 10 day old Archer fish.

Below 12 days old

  

Below at 6 weeks old

  
 
Right: 3 months old  

Below left: A 13cm, 6 month old pond raised fish. The colour of the fish can be changed by placing the fish in different environments. Below Right: 6 month old, (13cm) pond raised fish next to a tank raised fish. (3.5cm) Yes, both fish are from the same spawn !

  
 
  Below: Archer fish habitat in Cape York, far north Queensland, where our brood fish were collected. Catching archer fish while keeping well up on a high bank to avoid crocodiles. This river is purely freshwater, many kilometres from brackish conditions.  
   
  Below and Right: Wild archer fish from the Northern territory.

Below: All were caught at the same time, at the same place, in brackish water. Note the shape and colour difference.

 
   
 

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