Gar from Missouri River

**missouri_gar** · 07-08-2007, 05:30 PM

I'm probably not the aquarium enthusiast that all of you are. I wish I had more time and money for it. My pride and joy is just a 10g with 3 blind cave tetras and a few other pigment-less fish.

When the Missouri River flooded in St. Louis, MO this spring, I was wandering down by the edge of the flood waters and noticed a very small, elongated fry. To make a long story short, they were gar. I raised several over a few months (not in the tank with the other fish I own), and I now have 2 that are about 8 inches long.

I think that they are both shortnose gar, based on some descriptions I've read. One source said that they rarely exceed 2 feet in length. (The fish did not have features characteristic of the other 3 of Missouri's 4 gar species.)

I've read as much as possible in aquarium forums, etc. on the internet in an attempt to make a good choice. I know these gar will grow up to a foot or more in a year, and they're already 8 inches. (I keep them well fed with both minnows and small goldfish.) I see that the recommendation for tank size is often "as big as you can afford." Any recommendations that any of you have would be much appreciated. I have no prior experience with gar and have NO desire to see them suffer an inadequate environment. I guess what I'm looking for is some relationship between the size of a fish and the size aquarium it should have - preferably something more than "whichever tank is the biggest."

If I cannot give them the habitat they need, I will take them back to the Missouri River. My Bachelor's is Biology, so I'm well aware of the consequences - legal and ecological - of dumping unwanted pets, but the gar came from the Missouri River to begin with. They'll just go back.

Opinions?

Anyone ever had experience with something other than what you can find in a pet shop?

**Drumachine09** · 07-08-2007, 05:35 PM

Wow, someone who not only admits they cant keep gar, but actually knows how wrong it is to release them back into the wild. This is a welcome change.

Try zoos or pet shops, thats about all i got.

**missouri_gar** · 07-08-2007, 05:40 PM

Wow, not the most pleasant response.

It's not that I can't keep the gar. It's a matter of how practical it is if they're going to be gigantic. What's ideal for a 1-2ft. long fish?

Anyone without an attitude? Anyone? Anyone who won't attack every newbie who enters the forum?

**Drumachine09** · 07-08-2007, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by missouri_gar

Wow, not the most pleasant response.

That was a compliment, but feel free to perceive it as you wish.

It's not that I can't keep the gar. It's a matter of how practical it is if they're going to be gigantic. What's ideal for a 1-2ft. long fish?

i would say in the ball park of 200-300 gallons

Anyone without an attitude? Anyone? Anyone who won't attack every newbie who enters the forum?
Now whos being the hypocrite?

Nuff said...

**missouri_gar** · 07-08-2007, 05:43 PM

200-300 gallons? Ok. Thanks for the information. That's what I was looking for.

**fishista** · 06-16-2008, 12:05 PM

wow... I live near the Mediterranean... only amazing thing I see there cause I haven't learned to scuba yet are big nasty jellyfish :) they don't sell those in a pet shop

Fishfool @ The Reef Tank

**Demjor19** · 06-16-2008, 04:07 PM

Can you get any pictures of these gar? if they are indeed shortnose they will more than likely be fine in a 6 x 2 x 2 tank. i have a shortnose that is roughly 3 years old and is around the 16-17 inch mark.

Gar (shortnose and longnose mostly) have a bad habit of darting around in too large of tanks and they can often times break their backs in doing so. you want to provide them with enough room to be comfy, but not too much room.

if you need to rehome them PM me and maybe we can make arrangements. i would be glad to give them a good home.

Edit: here is a crappy pic of my Shortnose...i know it's not the same size, but it will still represent the same snout & head proportions.