Thoughts on Gar

[northtexasfossilguy]

I'm new to gar-keeping and was wondering what successes people have had, and lessons they have learned. As a background I own a Florida gar and have recently started trying to feed it insects, and I tried keeping it with Buenos Aires tetras, to the tetra's detriment. (I am trying to get away from feeders considering the health consequences.)

I am curious about what types of schooling fish are capable of living in the same tank and not getting decimated by my gar?

Anyone had success with keeping marbled crays with their gar?

How/what do you feed your gar (Live food only or did you ween it from live food)?

Thanks, any other thoughts or opinions are welcome.

 

[jsodwi]

I don't think you are going to have any luck with small schooling fish. They will be picked off one by one. Look for some fish that the gar cannot eat. I hope the tank is at least 18" wide if not wider because you gar will get over 20" in a couple years. My gars eat massivore pellets, tilapia fillet and market shrimp. For some reason I don't think they can see beefheart because they go crazy when I throw it in but never seem to get any. No live food. It may take some time to get them off the live but eventually it will happen