North American archerfish (SciiFii)

The North American archerfish (Toxotes americanus) is a species of perciform fish of the archerfish genus Toxotes that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the brackish and freshwater wetlands, lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the North American archerfish is the similarly-looking banded archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) of the Indo-Pacific and Oceanian waters. North American archerfish can reach a maximum length of 30 centimetres (12 inches); however, average length is about 20 centimetres (7.9 inches). North American archerfish have large eyes, which, unlike many other fishes, are positioned for binocular vision. The head is slightly shorter than the body, with a distinctively pointed snout. Juveniles may be yellow-green to brown on the dorsal side and silvery on the ventral side. The juveniles' flanks are grey-green. Some North American archerfish have irregular yellow patches between their bands. North American archerfish are omnivorous. In the daytime, they come to the surface to feed on floating matter. Their diet comprises plant matter and insects, which they are able to "shoot down". North American archerfish are also able to capture prey by jumping out of the water and seizing it from low overhanging branches. Young archerfish form small schools while learning aim, increasing the chance that at least one shot will hit the target. Their diet also comprises underwater prey, including crustaceans and small fishes. North American archerfish first begin to breed when they are about 10 centimetres (3.9 inches) long. The North American archerfish reproduces by spawning, and reproduces in pure freshwater lakes and ponds. North American archerfish lay 20,000 to 150,000 eggs at a time. The conservation status of the North American archerfish is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American archerfish's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.