Italian scientists say they
have solved the mystery of how archer fish can spit powerful jets of water.
Archer fish shoot water jets
with enough force to knock prey into the water from overhanging vegetation.
Research by a team from the
University of Milan shows that the fish's forceful strike is formed externally
using water dynamics, rather than using the body's internal muscles.
This technique allows the
animals to take accurate shots from up to 2m away.
For years scientists studied
archer fish (Toxotes jaculatrix), searching for evidence of specialised
internal organs that are adapted to this water-pistol-like hunting technique.
But previous studies have
ruled out this idea.
Continued: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/20068607
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