Freshwater Garfish - Xenentodon cancila

Species name: Xenentodon cancila

Synonym: Belone cancila, Belone graii, Esox cancila, Esox hindostanicus , Esox indica, Xenentodon canciloides

Common Names: Freshwater garfish

Family: Belonidae (Needlefishes)

Order: Beloniformes (needle fishes)

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

Max. size: 40 cm / 16 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Asia. Sri Lanka and India eastward to the Mekong.

Temperament: Peaceful predator. Some aggression towards other Freshwater garfish specimens

Company: Only keep with other peaceful fishes that are to large to be considered food.

Water parameters: pH 7.0-7.5, temperature 23-28°C / 74-82° F

Aquarium setup: This fish spends most of it’s time in the upper water regions and the bottom decoration is hence of less importance. Provide them with large open areas to swim on. Large plants that reaches the water surface and a few floating plants are recommended but not necessary.

Feeding: Accepts all kind of live food. This species is hard to get to accept other kinds of food.

Breeding: Unkown

Picture of Freshwater garfish - Xenentodon cancila. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

Xenentodon cancila - Freshwater garfish picture. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

Didn't find the info you were looking for? Register for free and ask your question in our Aquarium forum !
Our knowledgeable staff usually responds to any question within 24 hours

Other Predatory Fish Profiles: