Edit Xenentodon canciloides

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Name

Scientific name

Xenentodon canciloides

Described by

Authority Bleeker, Year 1854, Bracketed

Family

Belonidae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 1 credited

Summary

Xenentodon canciloides is a freshwater needlefish from Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand, and is considered to occur in the…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

300mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 180 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 18–26°C, pH 6–8

Hardness

2–15dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Predatory

Community suitability

Not for a community

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Batang Hari, Endau, Kapuas, Mekong

Writing

Etymology

Xenentodon: from the Greek ξένος (xénos), meaning 'strange', and ὀδών (odṓn), meaning 'tooth', in reference to the lower pharyngeal plate. canciloides: 'resemb…

Distribution

Known with certainty from the Greater Sunda Islands of Borneo and Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand, and also considered to occur in the Mekong system …

Habitat

Tends to inhabit slow-moving to still sections of streams and rivers and marshy lowland habitats such as swamps and oxbows although at certain times of year it…

Aquarium size

An aquarium with surface dimensions of 180 ∗ 60 cm or more is recommended. Water depth is less important but should not be less than 30 cm.

Maintenance

This species is a near-exclusive inhabitant of the upper water column and appreciates surface cover in the form of floating or overhanging vegetation. Other dé…

This species is a near-exclusive inhabitant of the upper water column and appreciates surface cover in the form of floating or overhanging vegetation.

Other décor is relatively unimportant, but could consist of a sandy substrate with leaf litter plus some large driftwood branches and twisted roots. Plants which can grow rooted in sand can also be added as can those which grow attached to solid surfaces such as Microsorum, Taxiphyllum or Anubias spp. Lighting can simply be tailored to the plants being used.

If using a deeper tank you could fill it to 50-70% of capacity and add emergent branches and plants which can look very effective. A tightly-fitting cover should be used as this species may jump when startled, however.

Efficient filtration is a must when keeping predatory species due to the amount of waste produced so install one or more external canister filters and/or a sump system, organising the return in such a way that turbulent flow is avoided.

Weekly water changes of 30-50% should be considered mandatory as this species can be sensitive to organic pollutants and swings in water chemistry, and for this reason it must never be introduced to biologically immature set-ups.

Although sometimes referred to as such it is not normally an inhabitant of brackish waters, though it may enter them from time-to-time at coastal localities. Marine salt is not necessary for its well-being.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

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Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

An obligate predator feeding mostly on smaller fishes and insects in nature, and can be tricky to wean onto dead alternatives in captivity. Smaller specimens c…

Behaviour and compatibility

Surprisingly peaceful with anything too large to swallow, and can be maintained in a community provided tankmates are chosen with care since it is also a poor …

Sexual dimorphism

Sexually mature male specimens apparently develop a pronounced dorsal 'hump' immediately posterior to the head.

Reproduction

Unrecorded.

Notes

This species is rarely seen in the ornamental trade, with its congener X. cancila far more common. Both are often seen referred to as 'freshwater garfish', and…

References

12 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References