The freshwater garfish is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia from India and Sri Lanka to the Malaysian Peninsula.

[4] In common with other needlefish, this species has an elongate body with long, beak-like jaws filled with teeth.

[2] Slight sexual dimorphism exists, the male fish often having anal and dorsal fins with a black edge.

[4] In aquaria at least, spawning takes place in the morning, with small numbers of eggs being deposited among plants.

[4] Xenentodon cancila is generally considered quite a difficult species to maintain because of its large size, nervous behaviour, and preference for live foods.