[5] The name (binomial as well as common) refers to Sagittarius the archer, because of the unusual method banded archerfish use to capture prey.

Banded archerfish are found in Indo-Pacific and Oceanian waters, generally in river mouths and mangrove estuaries.

Because of their markings and silvery colour, banded archerfish are sometimes kept as aquarium fish, though they are difficult to care for and not recommended for most home aquaria.

[7] The species name jaculatrix is related to the English jaculate and means "thrower" or "caster" (of a dart or arrow).

Both the common name and binomial name refer to the banded archerfish's habit of catching prey by shooting "arrows" of water through its mouth.

[2] Banded archerfish have large eyes, which, unlike many other fishes, are positioned for binocular vision.

[2] Banded 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.

The banded archerfish shoots the jet of water by raising its tongue against the roof of its mouth, forming a tube.

[4] When a prey is shot down, the banded archerfish begins to move towards the place where it will land within 100 milliseconds and can reach it within 50 ms of its hitting the water.

[5] A study found that banded archerfish could be trained to hit moving targets at an accuracy rate of greater than 50%.

[14] According to this study, the ability to hit moving targets is a complex learned behaviour, and can be learnt from other members of the school.

[14] The banded archerfish is able to hit targets with a high degree of accuracy, despite refraction of light at the water-air interface.

It was believed that they are able to achieve this level of accuracy by positioning their bodies to shoot from directly under the intended target.

[9] However, later studies have found that banded archerfish are able to achieve great accuracy even at angles, suggesting that they are somehow able to compensate for refraction.

[15] The shooting behaviour of the banded archerfish is affected by the presence of conspecifics (members of the same species).

[1] They have a minor commercial role in fisheries and may be sold fresh in markets or collected for the aquarium trade.

[11] The aquarium should be large with middling amounts of plant growth and plenty of space for swimming.

[11] Banded archerfish are generally not recommended for average home aquaria despite their attractive appearance because they are difficult to care for and require special conditions.