Needle Nose Gar

How To Care For Needle Nose Gar

The Needle Nose Gar (Xenentodon cancila), also known as the Slender Gar or Candlefish, is a unique species of freshwater fish known for its long, slender body and extremely elongated snout. Native to the Southeast Asia region, particularly in countries like India, Thailand, and Malaysia, the Needle Nose Gar thrives in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and marshes. This species is distinguished by its appearance, resembling a needle with its thin body and sharply pointed snout, making it one of the most fascinating and visually interesting fish in the gar family.

Typically growing to lengths of 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 cm), the Needle Nose Gar is relatively small compared to other gar species. Its body is slender and elongated, with a silver-gray coloration that is often highlighted by a darker stripe running along the back. The most distinctive feature of the Needle Nose Gar is its needle-like snout, which can be as long as its body. This long snout, lined with small, sharp teeth, allows the fish to capture and hold onto prey efficiently. Its large, bulging eyes also add to its distinctive look, giving it an almost prehistoric appearance.

The Needle Nose Gar is a carnivorous predator, feeding primarily on small fish, invertebrates, and insects in its natural habitat. In captivity, it can be fed a diet of live or frozen fish, shrimp, and small aquatic invertebrates. Due to its needle-like snout, the Needle Nose Gar is well-adapted for ambush hunting, where it strikes quickly and efficiently at smaller prey.

In terms of tank requirements, the Needle Nose Gar is best suited for aquarists with moderate experience due to its specific needs. While it is relatively small, it still requires a minimum tank size of 75 gallons (284 liters) for a single fish, as it needs space to swim and hunt. The water temperature should be kept between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C), with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. A strong filtration system is essential to keep water quality high, as these fish thrive in well-oxygenated environments. Regular water changes will help maintain optimal conditions for the fish.

Needle Nose Gars are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially towards other fish of similar size or species. They do well with other non-aggressive, similarly sized species such as tetras, rasboras, and other small fish. However, they should not be kept with overly aggressive or large fish that might intimidate them or take up too much space. Because they are slow swimmers and primarily surface feeders, they benefit from a tank that provides both vertical and horizontal swimming space, with plenty of hiding places.

One of the fascinating aspects of the Needle Nose Gar is its breathing adaptation. Like other gar species, it has the ability to breathe air using both gills and a specialized swim bladder, allowing it to survive in environments with low oxygen levels. This adaptation makes the Needle Nose Gar resilient in varying water conditions, but it still prefers well-oxygenated water for optimal health.

With its graceful swimming style, needle-like snout, and peaceful demeanor, the Needle Nose Gar makes a captivating and low-maintenance fish for intermediate aquarists. With proper care, including a stable and clean environment, balanced diet, and compatible tank mates, the Needle Nose Gar can live for 10 to 15 years in captivity, becoming a unique and long-term addition to any freshwater aquarium.