Live Aquaria:  Quality Aquatic Life Direct To Your Door
Free Shipping!
Home > Misc. Fish > Needle Nose Gar
Needle Nose Gar (Xenentodon cancila)
Needle Nose Gar
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Needle Nose Gar (Xenentodon cancila)
Additional locales and sizes may be available!
Additional locales and sizes may be available!

Quick Stats

Care Level Moderate
Temperament Aggressive
Color Form White
Diet Carnivore
Water Conditions 76-82° F, KH 8-15, pH 6.8-7.4
Max. Size 1' 3"
Family Belonidae
Minimum Tank Size 70 gallons
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Moderate
Temperament Aggressive
Color Form White
Diet Carnivore
Water Conditions 76-82° F, KH 8-15, pH 6.8-7.4
Max. Size 1' 3"
Family Belonidae
Minimum Tank Size 70 gallons
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

The Needle Nose Gar originates from the rivers, slack waters and ponds of Asia. They are a very long and slender fish that is mostly silver in color. Because of their body shape, they are able to produce very quick bursts of speed when in pursuit of prey. They have a very slender mouth that is filled with numerous small razor-like teeth.

A 70-gallon or larger aquarium that is well established is ideal for this species. Provide the Needle Nose Gar with a gravel substrate and plenty of rock for structure. There should be plenty of open swimming areas. A vicious predator, the Needle Nose Gar should only be housed with other more aggressive predacious fish of similar size. A tight fitting canopy is a must for this species, as they can generate great speeds and easily jump out of the aquarium.

The breeding habits of this species are unknown, as the Needle Nose Gar has yet to be spawned in the home aquarium.

The Needle Nose Gar is a carnivore and should be fed a variety of live foods such as small fish and crustaceans. Caution needs to be exercised when feeding these fish, as they will readily bite the hand that feeds it.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: Less than 4": Large: 4" to 5"

Customer Testimonials

Jay S Birmingham , AL
I have one and it very fun to see it eat, it is very fast. A very trepidacious and secretive eater. I would recommend this fish to anyone that has a large tank (55 gal - 150 gal ) as these guys are top swimmers and like to swim fast! But don't put your hands near it or it will try to feed on you.
Jeffrey North Wales , PA
I have had one of these since about 2.5-3 inches in length. A very trepidatious and secretive eater, he is an interesting addition to my tank. I would recommend this fish to anyone that has a large enough tank (greater than 70 gal) as these guys are top swimmers and like to swim fast! Enjoy!
Steve G Lievermore , CA
I was concerned that my gar wasn't eating since we've yet to see him eat since adding him to our tank, but now I know where my 6 red-eyed tetras went... Oh well, he's very cool to watch and the angel fish, pleco and snails seem to be holding their own.
1-3 of 3 testimonials

Bookmark and Share
LAQ-AZ-WEB-01-P