Needle Fish Beak

Question
I have a small needlefish in my 20 gallon high tank that has been set up for a week now, there are some smaller (not to small) african cichlids in there as well.  I have a aqua clear 20 filter. i got him yesterday from petco.  This morning i woke up and i noticed that the top part of his mouth is turned slightly up like a little bump so it doesn't fit with his lower jaw exactly.  I am kind of guessing this is an injury.  Is the needlefish going to recover? Should i be concerned? should i take back the needlefish to petco? (i just fed him a feeder fish and he ate it no problem)  Please give me some guidance, i really appreciate it.


Chris

Answer
Hi Chris;

He may have injured himself. Needlefish, also known as freshwater garfish and needlenose gar, are very hyper and can bang themselves against the top or sides of the tank if they get nervous or startled. Just movement or noise around the tank can cause a sudden jump and injury. It can happen when doing maintenance on the tank too. They grow to be about 10" long or larger and are also schooling fish so they need much more room than a 20 gallon. In groups of three or more they are less nervous and much happier too. Three can be kept in a 75 gallon or larger. If you can get a larger tank and get more of them I would say keep him. If not, you might consider returning him to the store. Otherwise, he's only going to injure himself again. Especially as he gets bigger. Here are some web pages to help you more;

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fish/freshwatergarfish2.php

http://fish.mongabay.com/species/Xenentodon_cancila.html

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins