Gar weird swimming pattern

[Gnarr]

Hi, i am new to keeping gar. Recently, i bought a spotted gar and it couldn't swim straight for most of the time. Its head is either pointing 45° from North when it is near the bottom or 225° from North when it is floating on the surface. I am not sure if it is normal behaviour.

 

[kno4te]

How big is the gar? How big is the tank it’s in? What are I feeding? Is it otherwise acting normal?

 

[Gnarr]

How big is the gar? How big is the tank it’s in? What are I feeding? Is it otherwise acting normal?

My gar is around 5 inches.
Currently keeping in a 40×30×30 tank, i only filled it to 21 cm height.
I bought it 3 days ago.
I am feeding him live fishes that are not sold as feeder fish. I am plan on training him to eat pallets.
I also notice the pectoral fins is unusually shorter.
My gar does come up to the water surface for air even though I have an air pump sufficient for the tank size.
When he is hunting, half of his bottom body is pointing downwards while the other half is horizontal as if the bottom half of his body is sinking.
I will try to get some pictures if he starts moving again.

 

[kno4te]

Maybe other gar keepers can chime in but I’d watch for now. Can add some unscented epsom salt (not regular salt) at 1 tbsp per 5g if concerned.

 

[Gnarr]

Maybe other gar keepers can chime in but I’d watch for now. Can add some unscented epsom salt (not regular salt) at 1 tbsp per 5g if concerned.

Is this considered epsom salt?

 

[kno4te]

Is this considered epsom salt?
View attachment 1444056

No

 

[kno4te]

Like this. Can find at Walmart too.

 

[tlindsey]

Had a Florida Gar that would swim at a 45° angle while it patrolled aquarium for food.

 

[Gnarr]

A

Had a Florida Gar that would swim at a 45° angle while it patrolled aquarium for food.

Thank you. Now im more relieved.