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Pond   Fishes

Alligator fish
(Lepisosteus oculatus)

Sterlet

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

  • None

Names

Scientific name
Lepisosteus oculatus
Cylindrosteus agassiz
Cylindrosteus agassizii
Lepisosteus latirostris
Lepisosteus productus

Common name
Alligator fish
Spotted gar
Gefleckter Knochenhecht (DE)

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: North America (Florida, Mississippi)
Biotope: American

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

Females are a bit larger and have a longer muzzle than males.

Group

Group

Lepisosteidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

Aquarium: 6,000 L / 1,320 Imp gal / 1,585 US gal
Pond: 15000 L / 3,300 Imp gal / 4,000 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 12 to 20°C or 54 to 68°F
pH: 6 to 8
Hardness: 5 to 30°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Hard

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

Male: 100cm (40")
Female: 120 cm (47")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

16 to 18 years

Living zone

in which area of the pond does this fish live?

Middle and top

Individuals

sociability of the species

3 to 5

Food

How to feed the Alligator fish?

Food

How to feed the Alligator fish?

Lepisosteus oculatus

Very voracious, this big fish has a good appetite! It feeds mainly on fish (piscivore).

In captivity, it accepts small fish, mussels, crustaceans and aquatic insects. Initially, offer fresh prey. After a period of acclimatization, it can also accept frozen food.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Alligator fish have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Alligator fish have?

This fish is a fearsome predator that patiently waits for a prey to pass by and runs at full speed. The shape of its snout is perfectly adapted to this activity.

This fish is often more active at night than during the day.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Alligator fish?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Alligator fish?

Lepisosteus oculatus cohabits very well with their congeners if they are maintained in sufficient volume.

Beware of all fish smaller than his as they will be hunted and eaten. It is therefore advisable to associate it with large fish at least its size: it will not be aggressive with them.

Breeding

How to breed the Alligator fish?

Breeding

How to breed the Alligator fish?

Never done in captivity.

Its pond

Which pond for the Alligator fish?

Its pond

Which pond for the Alligator fish?

Lepisosteus oculatus

Considering the minimum volume that it needs in aquarium (at least 6,000 liters / 1,320 Imp gal / 1,585 US gal), one cannot say that this species is adapted to domestic aquarium keeping. On the other hand, its maintenance in outdoor tanks can be considered in temperate regions (the water must remain relatively cold). In this case, the pond will be at least 15000 L / 3,300 Imp gal / 4,000 US gal.

As far as water is concerned, this fish has a high tolerance for pH and hardness. On the other hand, beware of too high temperatures, which can deprive the fish of oxygen. Ideally, it should be around 15/16°C and should not exceed 20°C. For filtration, the flow rate should be three to four times the volume per hour to guarantee good quality.

In the wild, this fish in streams and lakes. To reproduce a natural setting corresponding to its natural environment, the bottom of the pond will be silty and clayey (sand is also a good choice). Jonch of stones and willow roots.

On the plant side, the Spotted Garlic Dogfish likes a densely planted environment. Floating plants are also welcome because they act as hiding places and reduce the brightness.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

This fish should not be considered as an aquarium species for individuals. They are to be reserved for owners of huge aquariums and having a lot of experience (finally, public aquariums). This profile is too rare to make it a species widely proposed in the trade. We edit this sheet because it is sometimes possible to find juveniles in the trade.

Lepisosteus oculatus has a large swim bladder, which allows it to consume atmospheric air to a certain extent.

Their name "Alligator fish" comes from the shape of their muzzle and their mouth with teeth!

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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