Order : Beloniformes
Family : BELONIDAE
Species : Xenentodon canciloides
Maximum Length : 30 cm
The Freshwater Needlefish
is a surface-dweller of streams and rivers of various sizes, as well as
adjacent flooded areas.
Its rod-like dimensions
and unhurried movements, with only the most posterior part of the body and
tail being used for propulsion, are effective camouflage : it can easily be
mistaken for a stick caught in river currents and stream-side eddies.
It is known to feed on insects floating downstream. Its eggs are attached by
tendrils to vegetation or other available objects.
The species ranges from Indochina and Thailand, particularly the Mekong
Delta, through Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra, Borneo and other parts of
Indonesia. It does not occur in Singapore.
Fig 1 : Freshwater Needlefish at Sungai Relau, Pahang, Peninsular
Malaysia.
Fig 2 : Sungai Relau, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia.
Figs 3 and 4 : Freshwater Needlefish in a fast-flowing section of
a lowland forest stream in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia.
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