Xenentodon cancila 10-14 cm | Freshwater Needlefish

Overview

Xenentodon cancila, commonly known as the freshwater needlefish or Asian needlefish, is a fascinating surface-dwelling predator with a long, streamlined body and an unmistakable beak-like jaw. Offered here at 10-14 cm, this species is ideal for experienced aquarists looking for a truly distinctive fish with natural hunting behaviour and plenty of character.

In the aquarium, Xenentodon cancila is best kept in a spacious, well-covered tank with calm water and plenty of open swimming room near the surface. It is a specialised carnivore and should be housed with appropriately sized tank mates that will not fit into its mouth. With the right setup, this species can become a rewarding centrepiece fish for a large community or species display.

Please note that this is a predatory fish and is not suitable for small community tanks. As with all live stock, we provide a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery to help your fish arrive safely and in excellent condition.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Xenentodon cancila is native to South and South-East Asia, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, canals, floodplains, lakes, and brackish-influenced waters in some regions. In nature, it spends much of its time close to the surface, using its elongated jaws to capture small fish and aquatic invertebrates.

This species is adapted to warm tropical waters and often prefers areas with gentle flow and plenty of cover near the surface, such as overhanging vegetation, reeds, and submerged branches. Understanding its natural habitat is key to keeping it successfully in the aquarium: it needs space to cruise, subdued stress-free surroundings, and a secure lid to prevent jumping.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

A large aquarium is essential for this species. Although juveniles may seem manageable, Xenentodon cancila grows into a long, active fish that needs room to move and hunt. A tank of 400 litres or more is strongly recommended for long-term care, with a lengthier footprint being more important than height.

Because needlefish are powerful jumpers and excellent at exploiting gaps, the aquarium must be fully covered with no openings around cables, pipework, or filter outlets. A tight-fitting lid is not optional. Soft lighting, dark background décor, and floating plants can help reduce stress, but avoid overfilling the tank with dense planting that restricts surface movement.

Water quality should be kept excellent at all times. Aim for a temperature of 22-28°C, a pH of 7.0-7.5, and moderately hard to hard water in line with the species’ natural tolerance. Strong filtration is beneficial, but the current should not be excessive. Regular maintenance and stable conditions are more important than chasing exact numbers.

Recommended setup features include:

• Long, open swimming space near the surface
• Secure, escape-proof lid
• Gentle to moderate flow
• Floating plants or surface cover for security
• Dimmer lighting to reduce skittish behaviour
• Excellent filtration and regular water changes

Feeding Guide

Xenentodon cancila is a carnivore and should be fed a varied meaty diet. In the wild it feeds on small fish, insect larvae, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey. In captivity, many individuals will accept frozen foods and some may learn to take prepared carnivore foods, but live or frozen meaty items are usually the most reliable.

Suitable foods include frozen bloodworm, mysis, krill, chopped prawns, lancefish, and other appropriately sized seafood-based foods. Juveniles may need smaller items more frequently, while adults should be fed larger portions less often. Avoid overfeeding, as this species can be prone to obesity if offered too much rich food.

Because it is a surface feeder with a narrow mouth, food presentation matters. Offer food near the top of the water and ensure prey items are not too large to swallow safely. Any tank mates should be too large to be considered food, as this fish will opportunistically hunt smaller companions.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Compatibility depends on size, tank volume, and the individual fish’s temperament. The best tank mates are robust, similarly sized species that occupy the middle and lower levels of the aquarium and are not small enough to be swallowed. Fast-moving fish are often better than slow, delicate species, and all companions should be able to tolerate the same warm, hard-water conditions.

Good options may include larger barbs, sturdy rainbowfish, larger gouramis, silver dollars, and similarly sized non-aggressive fish in suitably large aquariums. However, even compatible species should be introduced with care and monitored closely, especially while the needlefish is still growing.

Avoid small fish, shrimp, fry, nano species, and any tank mate that could fit into the needlefish’s mouth. Long-finned species may also be at risk of nipping or injury. This is not a fish for a mixed community with tiny companions, and it should never be housed with species that are likely to be eaten.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we carefully source healthy, high-quality livestock and pack every order with welfare in mind. Our Xenentodon cancila are selected for quality and condition, and we aim to make the buying process as smooth and reliable as possible for UK aquarists.

When you order from us, you benefit from fast UK delivery, careful handling, and our live arrival guarantee for peace of mind. We also provide clear care information so you can prepare the right environment before your fish arrives. If you are looking for a standout predator species with a truly unique profile, this freshwater needlefish is an excellent choice for the experienced keeper.

For best results, ensure your aquarium is fully cycled, securely covered, and stocked only with suitable tank mates before adding this species. With the right care, Xenentodon cancila can be a captivating and long-lived addition to a specialist freshwater setup.