Gar FAQ - Getting your FIRST Gar

[xander]

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) What gar should I get?

A1) This flowchart is something that can help point you in the right direction!

Apologies for the excessive watermarking.
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Q2) Where are Gars (Lepisosteidae) Illegal

A2) All 7 extant species of gars and their hybrids are Illegal in the following states

• California
• Oregon

Q3) What Gar do i have

A3) Refer to the following threads:

• http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395673
• http://aquaticpredators.com/forums/index.php/topic/11064-the-gar-key-v20/
• http://aquaticpredators.com/forums/index.php/topic/2739-juvenileyoy-gar-id/
• http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350403

And if you're still finding it difficult to ID your gar, Post a picture of it here : http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=384638
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Q4) How big does my gar get

A4) Refer to this thread for more information: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372360

Q5) What sized tank do i need for my gar

A5) Refer to this thread for more information: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=401018

Q6) What and how often should i feed my gar

A6)

Q7) What tank mates can I have with my gar?

A7) Refer to this thread for more information: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392233

Q8) How do I sex my gar?

A8)

Q9) Can I breed my gars?

A9)

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References

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/OARs/56.pdf

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Please email or PM me with feedback, input or ideas!

Thanks in advance, Xander

 

[Wiggles92]

Great information, Xander!

 

[DREAM-faw]

Nice info, great job!

 

[seahawk2323]

Im new to keeping gars and not alot of info out there like many other fish. So this helps out alot. Thanks

 

[Polypterus]

270 gallon for a tropical ?

 

[Wiggles92]

270 gallon for a tropical ?

Huh, I just noticed that, too.

Isn't the average size for captive tropical gars only around 18"? I remember reading in some thread on here that a 180 gallon aquarium would be fine for individuals around that size.

 

[Polypterus]

Well they can potentially reach the 24 inch + range, and a few are around to prove that, but on average they are one of the smaller gar species. I really do not think most will require a tank on the larger end of the scale. Fine for them sure, require no not typically.

 

[DeathDealer]

I miss my younger brother spotted gar it died recently I am going to ruin his day... not my fault though; the fish kept on eating everything that is within its range I thought it was smart enough... to control itself like my tiger oscar would do...