Characterization of the jumping behavior of archer fish, toxotes microlepis

Abstract

Jumping behavior of Archer fish, Toxotes microlepis, was analyzed using high speed video in order to better understand the propulsive mechanisms used during prey capture. Archer fish align below the bait hovering in place before leaping up to 2.5 body lengths into the air. Velocity increases during thrust production before reaching a plateau, and maximum kinetic energy, which persists through the beginning of the glide portion of the jump. Acceleration peaks during thrust production when the undulating caudal fin is still submerged under water. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is used to investigate the hydrodynamics of propulsion during thrust production at the onset of the jumping maneuver. These results lay the groundwork for an in depth analysis of the impulsive jumping behavior of Archer fish. © 2010 International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering.