smallest

[bokononist]

What is the smallest true gar, not needlenose or needlefish, but actual gar? and what size tank does it need?

 

[demjor19]

the florida gar is the smallest of the "true gar" typically found in the hobby. they easily reach 20" and require a 200+ gallon tank at adulthood.

 

[E_americanus]

the shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) is the smallest member of the family Lepisosteidae (often called the 'true' gars). in the wild they reach a max of 33" or so, but in captivity will most likely not clear 24". they are frequently (but seasonally) available in the hobby--
--solomon

 

[ethnics]

spotted gars get to a decent size. it may take a while but they do get around 3ft full grown. seaworld sd has some at that size.

as E_americanus said, shortnose gars stay the smallest of tru gars. but some say they usually kill them selves after 1ft. mine is over 20" and is about 2 years old

 

[demjor19]

thats why i said typically found in the hobby. most gar you find will be a florida or spotted. its very occasional that you will run into a shortnose or any other type of gar for that matter. although it can happen.

 

[ethnics]

he didn't ask whats the smallest "typically found" gar in the hobby. he asked whats the smallest tru gar lol. but you are right demjor. shortnose gars are kinda rarely avail in the hobby. they pop up every now n then but spotted/florida are most most common as you stated.

 

[demjor19]

he didn't ask whats the smallest "typically found" gar in the hobby. he asked whats the smallest tru gar lol. but you are right demjor. shortnose gars are kinda rarely avail in the hobby. they pop up every now n then but spotted/florida are most most common as you stated.

yeah i know. i just figured i would inform him on what he is most likely to stumble accross.

 

[VVateverzYo]

i have just purchased a short nose gar and what is this 1 feet death thing u guys referring to

 

[Polypterus]

i have just purchased a short nose gar and what is this 1 feet death thing u guys referring to

Shortnosed Gars are very skittish and have a very bad habit of killing themselves before they ever get very large. Often very small things tend to set these fish off into a fast start and once they do they usually end up paralyzed and with a broken back. A method to deal with this is to slowly step up there tank size as they grow rather than just dumping them into a large tank.

 

[VVateverzYo]

really well i dont even know if its a short nose or a long nose yet still pretty small i will have pics for u to see in a little bit are they slow growers by anychance