Asian Needlefish/Needle Nose Gar (Xenentodon cancila)

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Ecology

As its name suggests, this fish has a beaked mouth that resembles that of a gar. However, it is actually a part of the needlefish family (Belonidae)! The Needle Nose Gar is a fully freshwater, carnivorous fish that likes to swim in rivers, streams, and pools with rocky/sandy bottoms. [1] Its biggest size recorded was over 40 cm (~15 inches)! [2] It is native to a variety of South/Southeast Asian countries, covering a range from Pakistan and Sri Lanka all the way to Vietnam. [2] Although this fish has a relatively stable population from its expansive territory, there is concern over habitat loss from human activities like mining, the filling of wetlands, and deforestation/pollution for farming. [1]

Fishery

This fish is fished as both an ornamental fish and for human consumption, mostly in the local regions of its habitat. It is an important food source for many communities, and currently more research efforts are being taken to better understand this fish and its fishery. [3]

In Aquaria

The Needle Nose Gar likes to swim near the surface of the water, so tanks do not need to be deep. However, a lid is recommended since it can jump out of the tank and as it grows to be fairly large, bigger tanks are recommended to provide more space for it to swim. To mimic its natural habitat, use a filter that creates some flow and use a rocky/sandy substrate for the bottom. Live [4] As a predator, this fish prefers live food, and can be fed with live worms, small fish (provided they are properly quarantined and free from parasites/disease), and pieces of shrimp. [4]

Citations

[1] Dey, S.C., de Alwis Goonatilake, S., Fernado, M. & Kotagama, O. 2019. Xenentodon cancila. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T166522A60589667. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T166522A60589667.en. Accessed on 05 August 2022.

[2] Talwar, P.K. and A.G. Jhingran, 1991. Inland fishes of India and adjacent countries. Volume 2. A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam.

[3] Sherazul Islam, M., & Dutta, P. (2018). Food, feeding habit and reproductive biology of freshwater garfish (Xenentodon cancila) from south-western Bangladesh: Implications to fishery management. JFLS, 3(2), 26–33.

[4] Xenentodon cancila – Freshwater Needlefish — Seriously Fish. (n.d.). Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/xenentodon-cancila