Florida Gar (5-6 Inches) | Single

The Florida Gar (2.5-3.5 Inches) is a juvenile freshwater fish known for its long, slender body and sharp snout filled with needle-like teeth. This species, native to the southeastern United States, can grow into a large predator and has a prehistoric appearance, resembling ancient fish species.

Appearance: At 2.5-3.5 inches, the Florida Gar displays a sleek, torpedo-shaped body covered in tough, diamond-shaped scales. Its coloration ranges from olive green to brown on the upper side, with a lighter, cream-colored underside. The body often features dark spots along the sides and fins, which become more pronounced as the fish matures. The long, pointed snout and sharp teeth make it a skilled predator even at this size.

Behavior: Florida Gars are semi-aggressive and solitary by nature. At this juvenile stage, they are relatively peaceful but will become more predatory as they grow. They are ambush hunters, often remaining still and waiting for prey to swim close before making a sudden, rapid strike. They require a tank with ample swimming space and prefer slow-moving or still water environments.

 Size: Although the fish is currently small (2.5-3.5 inches), Florida Gars can grow up to 3 feet in length. It’s important to house them in a large aquarium, with a minimum of  454 litres for juveniles  or more for adults.

Water Conditions: They thrive in freshwater with a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C), a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and good filtration to maintain clean water.

Décor: Provide hiding spots with plants or driftwood, and ensure there is plenty of open space for swimming.

Diet: As carnivorous predators, Florida Gars primarily eat live or frozen foods such as small fish, shrimp, or insects. At this juvenile size, they can be fed smaller prey like bloodworms or brine shrimp, transitioning to larger foods as they grow.

Compatibility:Florida Gars are best kept either alone or with similarly sized, non-aggressive tank mates. Smaller fish are likely to be seen as prey.