Hi, I just bought an alligator gar. He is in a 125 and he is approximately 8 inches long. Don't worry. I know they get huge and he will be moved when he is to big for the tank. He was very malnourished in the pet store. He is a pain to feed but I am trying to feed him once every to every other day cause he doesn't always like to eat and he doesn't like feeder fish. I was just wondering if anyone knew their approximate growth rate? Like red tail catfish is about an inch a month. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks
Growth rate of alligator gar?
- Thread starter Archer33389
- Start date
First off, please place it in a smaller aquarium if possible; that gar's a little on the small side for being in a 125. They can break their backs if placed in too large of an aquarium when they're on the small side.
Second, leave a bunch of rosy reds in there so that it has food at all times even if it doesn't really like feeders; it's better to have something in there in case it gets hungry considering that it's malnourished and on the small side. In this case, wait until it puts on some weight and an inch or two before trying to convert it to pellets and/or foods such as shrimp or fish fillets.
Third, is it actually an alligator gar or is it a Florida gar? Pet stores are notorious for mislabeling all gars as "alligator gars." If it is actually an alligator gar, you can expect it to be 18" to 24" in less than a year; these gars grow super fast if cared for properly. If it's a Florida gar, then you can expect it to maybe add an inch every few months, and it will top out around 18" to 22" after a few years.
Second, leave a bunch of rosy reds in there so that it has food at all times even if it doesn't really like feeders; it's better to have something in there in case it gets hungry considering that it's malnourished and on the small side. In this case, wait until it puts on some weight and an inch or two before trying to convert it to pellets and/or foods such as shrimp or fish fillets.
Third, is it actually an alligator gar or is it a Florida gar? Pet stores are notorious for mislabeling all gars as "alligator gars." If it is actually an alligator gar, you can expect it to be 18" to 24" in less than a year; these gars grow super fast if cared for properly. If it's a Florida gar, then you can expect it to maybe add an inch every few months, and it will top out around 18" to 22" after a few years.
Thank you for all of the information. Would a 29 gallon be a better size for the fish or is that too small? Also are there any easy ways to tell the difference between an alligator gar and a florida gar? I just looked up pictures on the internet and they look very similar. My gar has a fairly monotone body, kind of pale brownish or greenish with a tail that has black and yellowish markings. It also has pretty big teeth.
Lol never heard of someone critizizing for having TOO big of a tank lmao.... thats a new one.
I know plenty of ppl tht have smaller gars in huge tank w/ no prob! Id rather see it in a bigger tank then a small one anyday!
#1 S. Vettel
Most the times iv heard of them breaking there back is cause the tank is too small nottoo large. But I agree if it is agator he will probably outgrow that 120 in about a years time.
I got my gator @ 4-5 inches 30 days later he is 13-14 inches. Seriously the fastest growing fish I have ever encountered.
9 inches in 30 days?!? Holy crap! What size tank is he in? And does anyone have any ideas how to tell a florida gar from a gator gar?
It is amazingly true, never seen anything grow like he has. He is in a 300 gallon tank, soon to be in a pond. Gators have a different pattern and also a LOT bigger eyes than florida gars. Post a pic.
