What Am I (my first Gar)?

[Idealconcepts]

Alright got a Gar tonight, my first one for $15.99, about 4-5 inches. I'm fairly sure it was shipped from florida, and I picked it up while it was still in the shipping bag. Fish guy said it was a Rocket Gar, but from the searches I have done it doesn't look like it. I don't know much about gars but I think it might be a true gar, please correct me if I am wrong. Here a some pix below. If you could identify it with a scientific name(and if there is a common) its greatly appreciated. Also some general info on approximate max size, anything else. Thanks.

 

[E_americanus]

it's definitely a true gar...member of the family Lepisosteidae, and member of the genus Lepisosteus. it appears to be a Florida gar given the pics here, but that is just a guess since this individual is showing very little pattern. one can rule out longnose gar given the length (or shortness) of the snout. with time i believe the pattern of spotting will come in in more detail.

the florida gar can each a wild max of 54" in length, but will most likely not reach this in captivity. you can probably keep this fish in an 18" wide tank for a year or two, and a 2' wide tank for several years. keep in mind its best to keep gars in a tank wider than the length of the fish. a 3' wide tank should house the fish for many years, if not for life in captivity. good luck with the fish, and feel free to post with any other questions. great looking fish for sure--
--solomon

 

[Idealconcepts]

Thanks E_americanus.

I believe this is a no-no fish in some states. If you were in one of those states and had this item, would you be worried? (It's ok to pass on this questions)

 

[Idealconcepts]

I am assuming you are passing.

On to the next topic.

 

[Sarcosuchus]

I am guessing Florida Gar too, a beautiful specimen I must say. I really like the shape of its top jaw which is different from my Florida Gar, it seems to be like an Alligator Gar's but of course it isn't one. I mean the shape of the top jaw that has a nice curve...I admire it. Thank you for sharing, you should update us.

 

[ospy]

I own a florida gar and I live in one of those "no-no" states. I am not too worried. Only that my gar see's the telephone right by the tank and I know he's thinking 'If only I could get to that phone, I'm just sure I could dial 9-1-1'

 

[Muhammad Saad]

your gar is great.

 

[Idealconcepts]

ospy- Thanks, makes me feel better. I'll unplug the phone thats in the room with the Gar, just in case. Are the true gars able to survive in cool climates such as the west cost, in ponds that are large enough? This is my assumption why they are no-no, they can survice in cool weather and ruin the natural balance.

Muhammad Saad - Thanks, hopefully I can make it more great as it puts on some size.

 

[ethnics]

i live in a no no state. i have 3 gars. and fw rays, and rbp. im not worried at all. owning it you'll be fine. jus dont try to sell it. thats when they get you. cool gar btw

 

[Idealconcepts]

ethnics- thanks. Now to just get him on pellets or market shrimp. If not, I have some fry Malawi cichlids if he doesn't eat in a few days.