Alligator Gar

The alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) is a heavily built predatory fish from the slow rivers, backwaters and floodplain lakes of North America. It has a long torpedo-shaped body, a broad snout lined with teeth, and thick interlocking scales that give the flanks an armoured appearance. The fins sit far back on the body, and the fish will rise to gulp air at the surface, which helps it cope with water that holds little oxygen. It is kept as a single display animal rather than as a community fish.

Aquarium care

• A small juvenile is misleading: this species grows very large and lives a long time, so the adult housing needs to be planned before purchase.
• Strongly predatory. It will eat any tankmate small enough to fit in its mouth.
• Feed meaty foods; young fish often take live or frozen items before they will accept prepared diets.
• Length of open swimming space matters more than depth, and the tank needs a secure, weighted cover.
• Heavy feeding creates a heavy waste load, so generous filtration and regular water changes are needed.
• Handle with care and use a container rather than a net; the scales and teeth can injure both the fish and the keeper.

This is a fish for an experienced keeper with the space, filtration and budget for a very large indoor system. Gar are regulated or prohibited in some jurisdictions, so check current Alberta rules before you buy. Never release this or any aquarium fish into a pond, lake, river, irrigation canal or storm drain; talk to us about rehoming instead.

Stock rotates constantly and livestock is available for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See what is swimming now in assorted and unusual fish.