Spotted Gar

[Dangerousdan]

Seen a Spotted Gar for sale cheap and thinking of getting it. But want to know more about size its likely to get to??
Tank is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft.
Thanks
Dan

 

[CFC]

Its probably not a true spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) as they are quite rare and not often seen in the trade, the fish sold as spotted gars here are usually the Florida gar Lepisosteus platyrhincus which can attain wild sizes of over 50" but usually max out at around 24-30" in captivity, they can be told apart from spotted gars by their shorter and broader snout and eyes which are placed further back but then you'd need both fish in front of you to see the differences .

http/www.millevolte.com/nativefish11.html

 

[beblondie]

30 to 36 inches so you'd need a tank at least 40 inches wide gars need a wider trunng area than most fish due to their scalation,which doesn't permit sharp turns -Anne

 

[Dangerousdan]

Thanks for answers people. I will steer clear.
Dan