From what I've read, most atfs in tanks don't reach a large size because they die for various reasons before that happens. In particular, they are skittish and often end up breaking their backs or otherwise injuring themselves by colliding with the glass. They might also suffer from "sudden random death syndrome" but I'm not sure, that might just be payara. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, they may not be impossibly fragile, but are a far cry away from being what one might call "hardy."
GATF vs Alligator Gar
- Thread starter Ninjakiller08
- Start date
Well, GATF don't die suddenly like the Hydrolycus Scomberoides. It appears that only this certain species of payara will die after 1-2 years. Maybe it is just their lifespan.
. Any other Payara species don't die suddenly. I also heard that a lot of Armatus (a payara species) can live well over 10 years.They are not Oscars, but most die from jumping out or being killed. They are just as hardy as and aro of equal size.
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Well, GATF don't die suddenly like the Hydrolycus Scomberoides. It appears that only this certain species of payara will die after 1-2 years. Maybe it is just their lifespan.
All ATF are extremely hardy fish, but they have very specialized care needs in order to prevent spooking and smashing into the glass (tons of current and aeration). They are very fast and absolutely amazing jumpers. When they're injured they heal like Wolverine.
Its only scombs that have th sudden death syndrome. It is because they're a dwarf species that has a short lifespan, you were correct.
Sorry to throw this out there, but a RTC is a wayyy better wet pet than either of these fish. They come up to hand feed, you can touch them, and they won't kill themselves by smashing through your tank. My .02
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My answer would be "NO" for both fish! get a tank or pond that at least 5000 gallon before thinking of keeping one of those.
no, after 4-5 years(if I remember it right) they are barely over 3 feet! And they barely grow in the last year so the 48 inches might be another 5-10 years.
This X1000....a rtc or a rtc tsn hybrid are two of the best wet pets imo. I wouldn't go the pure tsn route since they are more predatory and less outgoing by nature. Have you ever heard of a gator gar or a atf hand feeding? I'm sure it has been done but nowhere near what rtc regularly do. I'd also recommend keeping an eye out for one that outgrew someones tank instead of buying a baby. There are so many large ones with no suitable homes so why not help one or two out?
