Fin's Fish Guide
The Asian needlefish (Xenentodon cancila) is a brackish-water fish of the family Belonidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The freshwater garfish is a needlefish (Belonidae) from the fresh waters of South and Southeast Asia. The species has a very slender, elongate, silvery body with long, thin, finely toothed jaws forming a needle-like beak. It stays just below the water surface in rivers, ponds, canals and inundated fields, often in slow-flowing water. As an ambush hunter it springs with its beak on small fishes and insects. It is a popular aquarium fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Asian needlefish?
The Asian needlefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Needle-shaped, toothed beak; surface ambush predator; popular aquarium fish.
Where does the Asian needlefish live?
The Asian needlefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Freshwater of South and Southeast Asia; rivers, ponds and canals.
How big does the Asian needlefish get?
The Asian needlefish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Asian needlefish dangerous to humans?
The Asian needlefish can cause injury; handle it with care. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Asian needlefish edible?
The Asian needlefish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Xenentodon
More from the family Belonidae
Want the complete picture on the Asian needlefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Asian needlefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.