alligator gar

[Tunez]

i just got a couple questions for u guys on alligator gars, i did search for my other questions. just because in the near future i plan on getting 1 and i want to find out some info b4 i buy 1 and end up way over my head.
1) What size tanks you guys are keeping these bad boys in? and do you have any pics on your set up? so i can get some ideas.
2) Will they get along with peacock bass? If not, do u kno wat species of gar would? because i am facinatinated by them.
3) any tips on having one and keeping them healthy?

Thank you

 

[demjor19]

they typically reach about 4-5 feet in captivity...it's a matter of opinion as to what size tank it can be kept it. everyone will tell you something different. it's a general rule of thumb that gator gars should not be kept with tank mates (they are just too aggressive). most gar are pretty easy to keep healthy, just give them a good diet (shrimp, silversides, smelt, pellets, krill, etc) and keep there water clean. hope this helps.

 

[city_of_evil6661]

agree

 

[xander]

i dont think many ppl here are keeping big gator gars i keep mine in a pond...

 

[demjor19]

i dont think many ppl here are keeping big gator gars i keep mine in a pond...

i thought that gar jumped out and died?

there are a few people on here that have them, but even fewer that keep them for life. we get the occassional "look at my new gator gar" threads...then you never see the fish again (i'm assuming they cant house it and ditch the fish). these fish should def be researched extensively before purchasing one.

 

[CTU2fan]

I would get a florida or spotted gar, a gator gar is a pretty unmanageable fish in all but the most extreme circumstances (large indoor pond for example).

I might be a bit concerned with the pbass spooking the gar and it smashing into the glass. I've honestly never had the bass so I can't say 100% if they would, but I've heard of gars getting hurt from banging into glass.

 

[xander]

i thought that gar jumped out and died?

there are a few people on here that have them, but even fewer that keep them for life. we get the occassional "look at my new gator gar" threads...then you never see the fish again (i'm assuming they cant house it and ditch the fish). these fish should def be researched extensively before purchasing one.

haha i have another actually, that went into the pond. can't seem to find it though, but it sure didn't jump out

 

[demjor19]

I would get a florida or spotted gar, a gator gar is a pretty unmanageable fish in all but the most extreme circumstances (large indoor pond for example).

I might be a bit concerned with the pbass spooking the gar and it smashing into the glass. I've honestly never had the bass so I can't say 100% if they would, but I've heard of gars getting hurt from banging into glass.

this outcome would likely be different with a gator gar. i agree though...a florida/spotted or a tropical gar would be much more manageable.

 

[StripeGirl]

so a 400 gallon tank would work for a while for one of these?

 

[demjor19]

so a 400 gallon tank would work for a while for one of these?

with what dimensions? it would work for a while, but you wou would more than likely have a species only tank.