My Gar

[Arthur12]

I'd really like some of the experts here to ID my 2 gar.

I've had this guy since 2013, wonderful fish, fun to feed and gets along well with others.
IMG_2262 by Fitz, on Flickr
IMG_2213 by Fitz, on Flickr
IMG_2270 by Fitz, on Flickr
Then I have this wild caught from East Texas. Caught this summer, was tiny but now putting on some good size. He has become a really good hunter and will soon be graduating to a larger home.
IMG_0099 by Fitz, on Flickr
IMG_0098 by Fitz, on Flickr

So is there a difference from Spotted Gar in FL and TX? Is the first fish a Florida Spotted Gar and the fish a Spotted Gar? Do they have different scientific names? Appreciate any replies.

 

[kno4te]

Probably fl gar. If it’s from your lfs then likely a Florida gar. If it’s from a trusted vendor then spotted but haven’t seen many around except toyin and he’s in Texas.

Fl gars are captive bred and have been bred to have super spots on them. So these will be in circulation as well.

Only way to tell is to handle the fish and look for ganoid scales under the jaw. Not easily seen. By doing this you may stress, hurt or kill the fish. So don’t advise that.

 

[Arthur12]

I am thinking the first from LFS is a Florida Spotted.

The wild caught is a "Texas" Spotted.

 

[jpcampbell123]

I agree first one is a florida spotted second is a spotted

 

[kno4te]

Probably fl gar. If it’s from your lfs then likely a Florida gar. If it’s from a trusted vendor then spotted but haven’t seen many around except toyin and he’s in Texas.

Fl gars are captive bred and have been bred to have super spots on them. So these will be in circulation as well.

Only way to tell is to handle the fish and look for ganoid scales under the jaw. Not easily seen. By doing this you may stress, hurt or kill the fish. So don’t advise that.

Sorry for the long winded answer. Early morning lol. So 1st pic Florida and wild caught maybe a true spotted gar like already mentioned by other members.

 

[Boomer1224]

both are beautiful gars