Freshwater garfish - Xenentodon cancila

Scientific name: Xenentodon cancila

Common name: Freshwater garfish

Family: Belonidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 36 - 43 cm (14.17 - 16.93 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.9 - 7.6

Recommended water hardness: 10 - 24°N (178.57 - 428.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Origin

Xenentodon cancila, commonly known as the Freshwater Garfish, originates from South and Southeast Asia. Its natural range includes freshwater and slightly brackish rivers, streams, and estuaries in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. These fish prefer slow-moving waters rich in vegetation and often stay near the surface.

Food and Feeding

This species is a strict carnivore and will only accept live food. Suitable options include ghost shrimp, small feeder fish, crickets, and insects. Due to their sharp teeth and strong strike, care should be taken during feeding and maintenance. Prepared or frozen food is usually refused, though some individuals may eventually accept frozen shrimp or fish with persistent training.

Sexing

Sexual dimorphism is subtle in Xenentodon cancila. Males often exhibit black edging on the dorsal and anal fins, while females tend to be more robust in body shape. However, determining sex reliably is often challenging without experience or comparison within a group.

Breeding

Freshwater Garfish are known to spawn in home aquariums, but breeding them successfully is difficult due to their cannibalistic nature. Eggs are laid among floating plants or spawning mops. Fry hatch after a few days but must be removed immediately to prevent predation by adults. Raising the fry separately on newly hatched brine shrimp and small live foods gives them a better survival rate.

Lifespan

The typical lifespan of Xenentodon cancila is between 3 and 5 years, depending on tank conditions, diet, and stress levels. High water quality and a varied live diet can help prolong their life.

Short Description and Tank Setup

Xenentodon cancila is a sleek, elongated fish with a beak-like snout and silver body, resembling a miniature gar. It should be kept in small groups of 3 or more to reduce stress. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons (280 liters) is recommended, as these fish can reach over 40 cm (16 inches) in length.

The tank should be decorated with fine gravel or sand, scattered rocks, and plenty of floating plants to create shaded areas. These fish are surface dwellers and may jump, so a tight-fitting lid is essential. Provide open swimming space along the top level of the tank.

Behavior and Compatibility

Peaceful toward conspecifics but potentially aggressive or predatory toward smaller tankmates. Avoid keeping them with small fish that can be viewed as food. Ideal companions include robust, similarly sized, non-aggressive species that occupy lower levels of the aquarium.