Considering getting a real monster

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Death Pony

Death Pony

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 6, 2007
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Fredericksburg and Newport News, VA
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There is a baby alligator gar at my LFS that I've taken a liking to. It's around 6"-8" long and very healthy. I've only been keeping fish for about 4 months, but I do my research. Would it be a smart idea to buy this guy and grow him out as my first monster?

I know how big these beasts can get and might be able to house a fully grown adult. I live in a temperate climate and might be able to dig out a pond, but I'd have to have some serious heating in the winter, considering it can swing down to below 20* F.

I'll have to run this idea by my parents first before anything else. Any input is appreciated.
 
you could buy one of those target ponds and have it covered to help with heating issues in the winter time.
 
the issue for the most part is size and aggression. ime, be prepared for a 18"-20+" fish by the end of the first growing season, and a 2-3ft one by the next, which maxes out at 4'-6'. with a 3' wide tank i'd say you'd be able to house it with minimal tankmates for the better part of the next 2 years. aggression wise, full grown gators generally don't do well with anything asides from other gators and perhaps pima or other monsters. personally i wouldn't keep it with anything else asides from other gators/pima. aggression between them would be diluted with larger enclosures, such as ponds. again i have never kept a gator past the 24"/2year mark and shouldn't be quoted on this advise. solomon would be able to confirm or rule out anything i've said, and most likely give some better information. try contacting richard as i believe he has a great deal of experience with large captive gator gar.
 
Joshmac8;3021354; said:
Better make a pond lol, I have a 5-6 inch florida gar i'm trying to sell if your interested
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If I get the gator gar I'll get back to you on the offer.

How big are the Target ponds?
 
xander;3021391; said:
the issue for the most part is size and aggression. ime, be prepared for a 18"-20+" fish by the end of the first growing season, and a 2-3ft one by the next, which maxes out at 4'-6'. with a 3' wide tank i'd say you'd be able to house it with minimal tankmates for the better part of the next 2 years. aggression wise, full grown gators generally don't do well with anything asides from other gators and perhaps pima or other monsters. personally i wouldn't keep it with anything else asides from other gators/pima. aggression between them would be diluted with larger enclosures, such as ponds. again i have never kept a gator past the 24"/2year mark and shouldn't be quoted on this advise. solomon would be able to confirm or rule out anything i've said, and most likely give some better information. try contacting richard as i believe he has a great deal of experience with large captive gator gar.
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Cool! I think I might be able to do that! I'd probably want to keep this guy in its own tank to keep the mess down. Plus, seeing a 6' gator gar dominating a single space is pretty impressive!
 
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