Needle Nose Gar  Xenontodon cancila

The Needle Nose Gar is a long slim fish that swims close to the surface and resembles a stick.  They are actually not Gars, but they are one of the few freshwater members of the needlefish family.  They are best kept in groups.

Grows to: 14"

Housing: A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended.  They need clean, well filtered water, but should not have excessive currents.  Provide plenty of open swimming room, and a tight fitting cover, as they are jumpers.  Temperature:70-80, pH 7.0-7.6

Tank Mates:  They are best kept in groups of 3 or more.  They are carnivores that will swallow anything they can fit in their mouth, so do not mix them with small fish such as neons or guppies. If they can not swallow a fish they will leave it alone.  They can be kept with peaceful tankmates of similar size.   Tankmates that stay near the bottom are good choices, such as ropefish,  african knifefish, and loaches.    Non-threatening fish such as small silver dollars and small blue gouramis are usually suitable tank mates.   Do not mix them with aggressive fish, that will harass them.

Feeding:  They are carnivores.  Their sharp teeth are used to hold their prey.  Feed live food such as feeder guppies.  Also try ghost shrimp, live brine shrimp, crickets.  Sometimes they can be trained to accept frozen plankton or frozen krill.

Natural Range:  Southeast Asia.