Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Lepisosteus oculatus
Cylindrosteus agassiz
Cylindrosteus agassizii
Lepisosteus latirostris
Lepisosteus productus
Common name
Alligator fish
Spotted gar
Gefleckter Knochenhecht (DE)
Origin
Origin: North America (Florida, Mississippi)
Biotope: American
Dimorphism
Females are a bit larger and have a longer muzzle than males.
Group
Lepisosteidae
Volume
Aquarium: 6,000 L / 1,320 Imp gal / 1,585 US gal
Pond: 15000 L / 3,300 Imp gal / 4,000 US gal
Parameters
T°: 12 to 20°C or 54 to 68°F
pH: 6 to 8
Hardness: 5 to 30°dGH
Difficulty
Hard
Size
Male: 100cm (40")
Female: 120 cm (47")
Longevity
16 to 18 years
Living zone
Middle and top
Individuals
3 to 5
Food
Food
How to feed the Alligator fish?
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
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
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
Breeding
How to breed the Alligator fish?
Never done in captivity.
Its pond
Its pond
Which pond for the Alligator fish?
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
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!
Yours photos!
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