Lurking just beneath the surface of estuaries across many parts of Asia are archerfish, natural-born assassins who overcome a shocking number of challenges as they shoot targeted streams of water at nearby insects, knocking them down into the water where they become easy dinner targets. Wired takes a look at the seemingly impossible physics of the archerfish's weapon of choice, from distorted optics (have you ever looked up from the bottom of a pool?), to the effects of gravity, to a clever tactic that the creatures use to increase the speed of their aquatic bullet as it approaches its target.
If you're reading this and you're a beetle with a penchant for hanging out near brackish water, be on the lookout.
via The Verge - All Posts http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/30/5160710/the-incredible-physics-of-the-archerfish-natures-aquatic-sniper
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