How to transition a 4inch alligator gar from live to F/T foods

[The gar project]

My alligator gar is currently in a 20 long, putting on 2 more inches. I’d like to have it eating pellets, cut up fish, shrimp, and squid, and freeze dried. What’s the easiest way to get it off live?

 

[tlindsey]

My alligator gar is currently in a 20 long, putting on 2 more inches. I’d like to have it eating pellets, cut up fish, shrimp, and squid, and freeze dried. What’s the easiest way to get it off live?

Welcome aboard
Stop feeding live for a few day's put food in at the flow of the filter to simulate live food. Some even have success dropping food on top of the snout of the gar instinctively snaps at the food.

 

[Simonas]

Just done this and its easy enough but may take a couple of weeks. I found mine couldnt resist the lancefish cut up in half and squeezed near it so it could smell the fish and then I put it near its mouth and it took it. 2 weeks on it smashes everything evey night at feeding time

 

[Desert Bus]

I've heard of using "training fish." A fish too big to be eaten but will eat not live foods while the fish that only eats live looks on in envy.