i had a few gar questions. first im sure this is a common one but whats a good way to make sure i get a spotted if i buy one because iv heard floridas look verry similar. also can shortnose gar live in tropical condidtions? thanks.
a few gar questions
- Thread starter Demon_fish
- Start date
Demon_fish;694952; said:
glad to have another person interested in gars
first question - we (polypterus and myself) have constantly been studying the differences between these two fishes, with LFS fishes it's very difficult to ID, but rest assured that 99.9% of the fish in the LFS and available from suppliers that are gars with spots are Florida gars. this is the most abundant gar in the market in the US, and finding a spotted gar at an LFS right now (and for the past few years) has been virtually impossible. stick with a Florida gar and you will be fine, although they have differing wild max sizes, their sizes in captivity will be relatively similar.
second question - shortnose can survive in tropical conditions, but they are not really a good gar for captivity at this point as they are more prone to broken backs than any of the other species. they may have a smaller max size than any other species, but the best gar species (at a reasonable price) available right now for the home aquaria is the Florida gar. tropical gars are also a good choice, but they are MUCH rarer and much more expensive (i.e. $150+ compared to $15) --
--solomon
thank you im going to try to get a florida gar then. what is their growth? could i keep one a little bigger than my aro with my aro in my 20 gallon till i get my pond finishes(hopefuly in a few weeks)? thanks
Demon_fish;695882; said:
what size Florida are you considering? if the fish is even 5" long it will most likely try to eat the arow, or kill it while trying. i wouldnt risk it--
--solomon
thats probably the best decision. i also have a two inch aro in one of my smaller tanks and i had to put a devider up because my needlenose was trying to eat him. and thats a 4-5" needlenose. i know a florida would enjoy it as a meal. best of luck w/ your aro.