One decoration we recommend avoiding is plants. These fish don’t spend a lot of time at the bottom of the tank so the type of substrate isn’t as important as it is for other species.
#Alligator fish free#
Other than that, feel free to use whatever substrate you want. This not only looks good, but it also provides a place for these fish to hide if they need to. They’re actually a bit easier to care for since they don’t need any special decorations or substrate in their tank.Ī lot of aquarists like to include a piece of driftwood or two in the tank.
Water Temperature: 75-85 degrees FahrenheitĪlligator Gar are a bit different than most of the fish on this list.Alligator Gars are not very tolerant of cold water and will go into shock if the temperature drops too low. The water temperature should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer warm water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. They are also very hardy, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists.Īlligator Gars are found in slow-moving rivers and lakes in North America. While their size and appearance are intimidating, they are actually a fairly peaceful fish. Their massive size, razor-sharp teeth, and reptilian appearance make them a fish that commands attention. Water ParametersĪlligator Gars are one of the most unique and prehistoric-looking freshwater fish available in the aquarium trade. If you want to keep two Alligator Gars in the same tank you’ll want to add at least another 1000 gallons to that minimum number if you want them to thrive. If you’re looking for a smaller fish that can fit in an average-sized tank, this is not the fish for you. This is due to their large size and their aggressive nature. The recommended tank size for Alligator Gar is 1000 gallons. In captivity, they typically reach between 4 and 6 feet in length. SizeĪlligator Gars are one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, and can grow to be massive! The average size of a wild Alligator Gar is between 6 and 8 feet long, but they have been known to grow up to 10 feet or more in length. They also have specific dietary requirements that are often hard to meet.Īll of these factors can lead to a shorter lifespan in captivity. They’re very large and require a lot of space. One of the reasons for this is that alligator gars are very difficult to keep in captivity. But in captivity, their lifespan is often much shorter. In the wild, alligator gars typically live for 20 to 30 years. The belly of the Alligator Gar is usually a lighter color than the rest of their body. They can be olive green, brown, or even almost black. The coloration of these fish can vary quite a bit. The anal fin is located about halfway back on the body and is also tall.Īlligator Gars have a long, thin caudal peduncle that leads into their large, paddle-shaped caudal fin.
The dorsal fin on these fish is located far back on their body and is very tall. They have rows of large teeth that can reach up to 4 inches in length! The scutes on the Alligator Gar are what give them their “alligator” nickname.Īlligator Gars have a large head with a very long and pointy snout. These are called scutes and they’re very tough. These fish have a row of large scales running down the middle of their back. They have a long, thin body that can reach lengths of up to 10 feet! The Alligator Gar is one of the most intimidating freshwater fish out there. They’re also not the easiest fish to care for, so it’s important to do your research before getting one. If you’re interested in keeping one of these fish as a pet, it’s important to note that they require a very large tank (at least 200 gallons). They’ve been known to attack and kill humans on occasion, which is something to be aware of if you live in an area where they’re present. This could be anything from ponds and lakes to marshes and swamps.ĭue to their size and the fact that they’re a predator, alligator gars can be quite dangerous. They are the largest freshwater fish in the entire country and can grow to be quite large (up to 10 feet in length)!Īlligator gars prefer slow-moving waters with a lot of vegetation. Alligator gar (scientific name: Atractosteus spatula) are a type of fish that’s native to North America, primarily in the southern United States.
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