Hi had this guy for about 2 weeks now, he is eating guppies, i keep guppies in the tank all the time so he eats when he wants.. can someone clarify on the final size of this type in captivity? hes about 6-7 inches now. he looks great in my planted tank.
what you have is a spotted pike characin (Boulengerella maculata). not a true gar. i think they obtain a max size in aquaria of about 12" or so. they are a top water fish that is very jumpy and skitish. provide some floating cover and keep all tank openings sealed as they may easily jump out. if i remember right, mine fed on floating krill and pellets.
thanks very much for the quick response. Im glad to know he will top out at about 12 inches. i was worried he'd outgrow me! is it ok for him to eat guppies?
thanks very much for the quick response. Im glad to know he will top out at about 12 inches. i was worried he'd outgrow me! is it ok for him to eat guppies?
if you feed guppies or rosies try to quarentine them and feed them healthy foods. by doing this you are making there nutritional value go up and in turn will keep your characin healthier.
in a heavly planted 46 bowfront. Wife and i are looking for a 92 gallon corner tank in the next few months, there should be plety of room for him in there. Im sure he'd be ok in the 46 for a while too, since its 16 inches wide at the center.
