General information - The Tropical or freshwater gar fish is a unique

fish found in Asia, The gar fish is an elongated, needle-shaped species

with long, tooth jaws.Its mouth full of rows of sharp teeth used to hold

its live meal. This species can grow up to 40 centimeters in length even

in our home tank. There are more gars known to science but they are

fewer suits to aquariums, Long nose Gar, Florida Gar, Spotted Gar and

the Alligator Gar. Although it is a freshwater fish it occasionally found in

brackish water.  

Common Name - Freshwater garfish, Needlefish, Silver Needlefish 

Scientific Name - Xenentodon cancila

Family - Belontiidae 

Origin - South and Southeast Asia 

Size – 40 cm (16 inches) 

First discovered - Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822 

Nutrition – in nature this fish feeds on fish, frogs and crustaceans.In captivity they feed on meaty

food frozen or live. 

Behavior – this fish known to be timid but never forget, this fish is an aggressive predator  

Maintenance and care – The Xenentodon cancila requires a minimum sized tank of 80 gallons.

This species prefers a large, shallow tank that has a large surface area, as hiding places we can

use woods, and plants. This fish is talented jumper so cover is a must. Freshwater garfish is a schooling

fish and should be kept in groups

of 3 or more. Kept it with only large fish, smaller fish will become its meal.  

Water Parameters – temperature: 71F – 82F (22C-28C), PH: 7- 7.8. A 1% addition of salt can be used 

Breeding – have been breed in captivity. The gar fish require large tank and acidic water in order to

reproduce. Spawning occurs at dawn and continues for 3-5 days.

The fry can be feed on fish fry or Artemia.