tropical gar growth rate/tank size.

[the lion who ate the sun]

Hey guys. I'm about to pick up (possibly) a tropical gar to grow out into a 180g, and then add to my 300g (72L x 36D x 26H) once it is large enough. What kind of growth rate can be expected from an 8-10" specimen in inches per month? What sort of max captive size can I expect? How long will my 300g keep it happy?

 

[fwprawn]

Mine has been slow compared to my other species.

 

[the lion who ate the sun]

How slow, specifically? Also wondering about Cubans. How big do they get?
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?401568-Tropical-Gar-The-Singapore-Order

Pretty good thread I dug up if anyone else is interested.

 

[jsodwi]

Are they available down by you?
I'm in search of another one or 2
Mine grew pretty quick til about 16-18"

 

[the lion who ate the sun]

Primo aquatics--USA branch in Orlando. They have them for (hold your breath) 80usd. I ordered two. Just waiting on the invoice.

 

[the lion who ate the sun]

Can I see some pics of yours at 18" Johnny? Really curious about this species. It is difficult to find photos of adult specimens.

 

[jsodwi]

Can I see some pics of yours at 18" Johnny? Really curious about this species. It is difficult to find photos of adult specimens.

Sure. I'll put some up tomorrow. The one I have turned very dark. As it aged. I've had him since '06 and now 27"

 

[the lion who ate the sun]

Very nice! I'm really looking forward to your pictures. I've been wanting to own an atractosteus for quite a while. This seems like the perfect opportunity. Do they resemble gator gar at larger sizes in terms of their head and jaw shape?

 

[fwprawn]

No - they don't resemble gators. I have both (and a longnose) and they are distinct.

They look closer to a Florida than a Gator.

 

[cnel124]

Mine look like Floridas but have the body structure (similar too) alligators. Mine grew an inch per week from 6 inches until they were 16 inches where they stopped growing.

Their snouts are narrower than gators, and their bodies seem to be wider/thicker at the rear of the fish and they have longer tails, or maybe thats just me...