{"product_id":"xenentodon-cancila","title":"Xenentodon cancila 10-14 cm | Freshwater Needlefish","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eXenentodon cancila\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003e10-14 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, this species is ideal for experienced aquarists looking for a truly distinctive fish with natural hunting behaviour and plenty of character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease note that this is a predatory fish and is not suitable for small community tanks. As with all live stock, we provide a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e to help your fish arrive safely and in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eXenentodon cancila\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater needlefish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 40 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful to semi-predatory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400 litres+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22-28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.0-7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20-30 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivorous; live and frozen meaty foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTop\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eXenentodon cancila\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA large aquarium is essential for this species. Although juveniles may seem manageable, \u003cem\u003eXenentodon cancila\u003c\/em\u003e grows into a long, active fish that needs room to move and hunt. A tank of \u003cstrong\u003e400 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e is strongly recommended for long-term care, with a lengthier footprint being more important than height.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause needlefish are powerful jumpers and excellent at exploiting gaps, the aquarium must be \u003cstrong\u003efully covered\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater quality should be kept excellent at all times. Aim for a temperature of \u003cstrong\u003e22-28°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, a pH of \u003cstrong\u003e7.0-7.5\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended setup features include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong, open swimming space near the surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecure, escape-proof lid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGentle to moderate flow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloating plants or surface cover for security\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimmer lighting to reduce skittish behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent filtration and regular water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eXenentodon cancila\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompatibility 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we carefully source healthy, high-quality livestock and pack every order with welfare in mind. Our \u003cstrong\u003eXenentodon cancila\u003c\/strong\u003e are selected for quality and condition, and we aim to make the buying process as smooth and reliable as possible for UK aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you order from us, you benefit from \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, careful handling, and our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor 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, \u003cem\u003eXenentodon cancila\u003c\/em\u003e can be a captivating and long-lived addition to a specialist freshwater setup.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57446808518991,"sku":"K910","price":37.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/xenentodon-cancila-natural-aquarium-k910.webp?v=1777850708","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/xenentodon-cancila","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}