documenting my Alligators growth rate (w/pics)

mqktandy

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Feb 18, 2010
1,291
4
38
Iowa
After months of searching I had finally found someone who had alligator gars at aquascapeonline.com, bought it and it was at more doorstep the next day. When he first arrived he was 3" to small to even eat feeder minnows. Instead he would bight them in half. I started him in a 10gal with a emperor 400, keeping the temp at 80f
12-1-10 3"
A gar.JPG
View attachment 569743
Aligator gar.JPG
View attachment 569744
12-21-10 6.5" 20days later
Gatergar.JPG
Gatergar 12-21-10 6 inch.JPG
At this point it was time to move him to his next tank. The 100gal as he was getting rather angry at being stuck in the 10.

1-1-11 7.5-8"
I measured him this morning when one of the rare times he was sitting against the front glass....of course I didnt have my camera on me :banhim: so you will have to take my word for size. I will try and get one of him against a tape soon.
Agar 8in 1-1-11.JPG
gator gar 8in.JPG
Alligator gar 8in 1-1-11.JPG
As you can see he is quite fat from feeders and goes through at least 10 a day. Feeders are pre-fed massivore so they are slightly more nutritious. He will be kept on feeders untill he hits about 12" than I will start weening him off of them and onto frozen foods that the rest of the fish are eating. Hopefully it will be easier than my Florida. Once he reaches 12" he will also be transfered to the floating growout in my 1500gal. The growout can be viewed here. http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=380937

Hopefully this thread will help answer some members questions and debunk/prove some of the discussed growth rates.
 

DJ BIG T

Gambusia
MFK Member
Feb 3, 2006
423
1
16
52
Orlando , FL
very nice gar hes growing fast!
 

mqktandy

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Feb 18, 2010
1,291
4
38
Iowa
Got a ok one with him just a little bit away from the glass.
8in 1-1-11.JPG

He is looking meaner and meaner every day.
 

Zaminpirlo

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 28, 2008
95
0
0
Guelph, Ontario
they grow extremely fast. reach a foot in no time with a proper diet.
 

mqktandy

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Feb 18, 2010
1,291
4
38
Iowa
If he keeps up his current growth he will be about a foot end of next month. I just really want to have him in the big pond before I leave for africa and I dont think that will be a problem. Ill try and update this tread a few times a month or more.
 

mqktandy

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Feb 18, 2010
1,291
4
38
Iowa
ya but you have some massive ones. cant wait for mine to get as big as yours
 
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