Can I keep a alligator gar in a pond in Michigan?

[bananabomb]

I find of want to get a alligator gar and I know they get big so I have a friend with a pond in Michigan so can a allagator gar live in Michigan

 

[tlindsey]

Hope this helpshttps://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/how-cold-could-an-alligator-gar-survive-in.696916/

 

[Darryl Taylor]

No I don’t think so. It get below zero here in Michigan

 

[bananabomb]

Hope this helpshttps://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/how-cold-could-an-alligator-gar-survive-in.696916/

Thanks

 

[jstevenz]

I live in illinois and Gars are all over in the rivers. They recently stocked a river with a bunch of alligator gar to combat the asian carp problem. Now I always thought they needed to be in rivers because the moving water stopped it from freezing and they could survive....but I have caught plenty of them (shortnose not alligator) in lakes and ponds that 100% freeze over in the winter. Not saying I would risk it if I were you but its not impossible.

If you friend had an underwater aeration system in his pond that usually keeps a circlular spot from freezing and that might work out best.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Hope this helpshttps://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/how-cold-could-an-alligator-gar-survive-in.696916/

Thank you for this.

I have added a little more info in that thread... for you too, the OP.

 

[bananabomb]

I live in illinois and Gars are all over in the rivers. They recently stocked a river with a bunch of alligator gar to combat the asian carp problem. Now I always thought they needed to be in rivers because the moving water stopped it from freezing and they could survive....but I have caught plenty of them (shortnose not alligator) in lakes and ponds that 100% freeze over in the winter. Not saying I would risk it if I were you but its not impossible.

If you friend had an underwater aeration system in his pond that usually keeps a circlular spot from freezing and that might work out best.

thanks for the input but my friend has a natural pond so it would not work

 

[Terraphyte Tank Guy]

I find of want to get a alligator gar and I know they get big so I have a friend with a pond in Michigan so can a allagator gar live in Michigan

Hello ban...

It's doubtful. They hang out in the southern parts of the US. In Texas for instance. I'd hate to think of heating that volume of outdoor water in Michigan.

TTG

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Hello ban...

It's doubtful. They hang out in the southern parts of the US. In Texas for instance. I'd hate to think of heating that volume of outdoor water in Michigan.

TTG

I used to think so too, but...

Twenty people before you and me told different. Please read both threads, this one and the linked one to learn more... if you will.

 

[BIG-G]

Hello ban...

It's doubtful. They hang out in the southern parts of the US. In Texas for instance. I'd hate to think of heating that volume of outdoor water in Michigan.

TTG

The only reason it wouldn’t work would be due to a solid freeze.
Alligator gar used to range from the gulf coast far north to the Chicago area but has receded further south due to over fishing and habitat loses.