a newbie question, apologize if sounded dumb

[E_americanus]

There are many bodies of water in Texas that get well over 85 degrees for months at a time, and only dip below 70 degrees for 2-3 months out of the year. Gar are probably one of the most common fish here. Being that ive observed them for over 20 years, I find it hard to swallow that Gar wont thrive at high temps.

it really turns into an argument of semantics...thriving vs surviving...if one thinks about it, fish survive where they can...in the wild, this is often regardless of where they really prefer to be. in cooler temps they won't have to surface for air as often as the water may hold enough O2 for their activity level or they may be at a more optimum metabolism. at warmer temps they definitely have to surface more often (kind of like "working harder") to maintain activity, foraging, etc.

another issue is comparing wild conditions to captive conditions...captive conditions should try to keep the best interests of the animal in mind...there is no need to keep a gar at extreme heat or extreme cold in captivity...something around 65-80F works well, with warmer temps helping to stave off some parasites and infection, and cooler temps helping to regulate activity and metabolism a bit better.

we've all seen gars in extreme conditions (think of the Audubon Aquarium and their gator gar in the big saltwater tank; that gar survives, but is likely not terribly "happy" due to extra energy needed to compensate for differences in osmotic conditions), that doesn't mean they should be kept in those conditions in captivity.--
--solomon

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

venom ss,
may I make a suggestion?
DO NOT ARGUE WITH EITHER E_AMERICANUS OR POLYPTERUS
i probably can guarentee they have studied more of these fish than you could ever hope or dream to. Just trying to help you out

 

[ViperCLKGTR]

we've all seen gars in extreme conditions (think of the Audubon Aquarium and their gator gar in the big saltwater tank; that gar survives, but is likely not terribly "happy" due to extra energy needed to compensate for differences in osmotic conditions), that doesn't mean they should be kept in those conditions in captivity

I have never been so pissed off except for when I saw this:

I almost yelled B.S when I was sitting through the whole presentation. I don't know what made me more mad, a Gator in a saltwater tank, the lady sayin that Gator's were SW fish, or when she went "That's all the fish in the tank... Oh yeah there is a Alligator Gar in there".

But I do have to admit they have my dream tank:

 

[adrideh]

also wanted to add something regarding your transport question...really depends on how long you are moving them for...it would be good to fast them for about a day before transport if possible. moving them in a large plastic tub or in double-bagged plastic bags can work for large and small individuals, respectively. how long are they going to be in transport?--
--solomon

The transport will only take about 2 hours tops in a car with AC on. I don't think it will be a problem right ?

 

[adrideh]

another thing though,

Would there be any problems if I decide to keep these gars in a planted aquarium ? Aside from needing to be extra tired from siphoning, of course...

 

[KYeasting]

The transport will only take about 2 hours tops in a car with AC on. I don't think it will be a problem right ?

I'd like to add a comment about moving (although I've never moved such an animal). If you have it, use a BIG cooler! This will help keep the temp constant far better than running the A/C in your car. I've used a cooler everytime I've had to move my tanks. It works fantastically!

 

[E_americanus]

The transport will only take about 2 hours tops in a car with AC on. I don't think it will be a problem right ?

two hours won't be a problem at all...particularly if you have AC to help maintain temps as well...although the gar should be fine for that long either way. planted tanks should be fine with the gar...crypts/anubias on the bottom work well, water sprite at the surface (or anacharis or hornwort, etc)--
--solomon

 

[selki]

anyone keeping this fish better give it a decent sized home of 20'x20'x10' hopefully this is minimum...I dont get people who keep these fish in small tanks..

 

[adrideh]

two hours won't be a problem at all...particularly if you have AC to help maintain temps as well...although the gar should be fine for that long either way. planted tanks should be fine with the gar...crypts/anubias on the bottom work well, water sprite at the surface (or anacharis or hornwort, etc)--
--solomon

Thanks for the info. I will be getting my gars tommorrow. Will post some pictures here.