South American Needlefish (Potamorrhaphis guianensis)

An unusual freshwater species of a primarily marine family of fish, the South American Needlefish is found throughout much of the Amazon basin, where it inhabits shallow stretches of slower-moving waters, usually in areas with lots of overhanging vegetation and cover. A surface dwelling predator, they are highly adapted to feeding on small fish and insects. In the aquarium, they should be given plenty of open swimming space but will do best with some areas of surface oriented drifwood/branches or floating aquarium plants as they are easily spooked if not provided with some cover. Although at first they can be difficult to wean off live foods, over time they can be trained to accept freeze dried foods like bloodworms or krill and even floating pellets.