The smallscale archerfish (Toxotes microlepis) is a unique freshwater and brackish water species native to Southeast Asia, renowned for its remarkable ability to shoot jets of water to knock insects off overhanging vegetation. This species is primarily found in the rivers, estuaries, and mangrove areas of countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, smallscale archerfish are harvested by local small-scale fishers for food and the ornamental aquarium trade. Thailand and Indonesia are among the top countries where smallscale archerfish are caught, both for local consumption and export. The fishing industry for this species is typically artisanal, using traditional methods such as traps and hand nets, and plays a modest but important role in the livelihoods of riverine and coastal communities in the region.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.