Atractosteus spatula

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Alligator Gar
Alligator Gar
Species Atractosteus spatula
Difficulty Difficult
Min. Tank Size 3,406.871 liters
3,406,870.602 mL

900 US Gallons (3406.9L)

Size 120.079 in

300-305 cm (118.1-120.1")

pH 7.0 - 7.5
Temp. 291.483 K
18.333 °C
524.67 °R

297.039 K
23.889 °C
534.67 °R
65 -75 °F (18.3-23.9°C)

Water Hardness

8-15

Stocking Ratio 1:1 M:F
Availability Rare
Diet

Carnivore
Live Foods
Other (See article)

Life Span

10-20 years


Contents

[edit] Alternative names

Alligator Gar, Gator Gar

[edit] Sexing

It is difficult to visually sex Alligator Gars.

[edit] Tank compatibility

This is the largest of the Gar species, and is therefore best kept in public aquaria for it's sheer size. It will also consume any fish it can fit in it's large mouth.

[edit] Diet

Will eat fish, crustaceans, anything unfortunate enough to swim by!

[edit] Environment Specifics

In the wild, this fish inhabits slow-moving rivers and ponds in the southeastern United States. Occasionally found in Brackish water.

[edit] Behaviour

A solitary aggressive fish It will lurk in the reeds and plant life waiting for their food to come into reach.

[edit] Identification

These are exceptionally large fish. A mature alligator gar possesses a dual row of large teeth in the upper jaw. It is these remarkably alligator-like teeth which gives it its name. They have a very long body with a pointed snout, their fins are rounded and paddle-like.

[edit] Pictures

[edit] External links

Facts about Atractosteus spatula
Availability Rare
Common name Alligator Gar
Diet Carnivore  +
Difficulty Difficult
Family Lepisosteidae  +
Foods Live Food  +, and Other Foods  +
Maximum Size 120.079 in (305 cm)  +
Maximum age 20  +
Maximum hardness 15  +
Maximum pH 7.5  +
Maximum temperature 297.039 K (23.889 °C, 75 °F, 534.67 °R)  +
Minimum Tank Size 900 US Gallon (3,406.871 liters, 3,406,870.602 mL)  +
Minimum hardness 8  +
Minimum pH 7  +
Minimum temperature 291.483 K (18.333 °C, 65 °F, 524.67 °R)  +
Scientific name Atractosteus spatula
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brackish water