Above: In the picture, is a nice Silver Hujeta Gar swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture.

Comments: These are fabulous looking fish, with unique characteristics.

Origin: Gar are found in South America and are wild fish. But now you can find many living in aquariums all over the world.

Maximum Size: In aquariums, Gar can grow to be about 2.5' long, and sometimes larger if fed properly and if the water quality is good.

Behaviors: Gar are usually aggressive fish, they will eat anything that will fit in their mouth.

Compatibility: Some recommended tankmates include, Arowana and other big fish.

Click here to read more about compatible groups of pet fish.

Temperature: Gar live best from about 75 to 80-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal.

Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters.

Feeding: Premium Fish Food Pellets is best to feed to Gar. Smaller sized pellets when young, and larger sized pellets when bigger, is the ideal food for these fish.

Click here to learn more about and shop online for premium fish foods.

Water Conditions: They are used to softer alkaline water, but these fish can adapt to most types of water, and so as usual it's best not to try to change the pH or alkalinity.

Click here for a lot more information about aquarium water conditions.

Aquarium Size: Gar will do fine in an aquarium with at least 80-gallons of water when small, but will eventually need to live in an aquarium with at least 110-gallons of water.

Decor: Gar do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water.

Click here for more about aquarium gravel.

Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality, but Gar may be known to rip up plants.

Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended. Most 80-gallon aquariums have room along the back for two Penguin 350B Filters, and this is sort of a minimal wild fish set up.

Better is a 120, 150, or 200-gallon aquarium with as many Penguin 350B Filters as will fit across the back.

Click here to learn more about aquarium filters.

The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range. Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums.

Life Span: Gar can live for several years. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they may live even longer lives.

Gender: It's difficult to tell males from females, only when breeding occurs, it may be easier to tell if the female may be rounder and larger.

Breeding: These fish usually spawn in big groups, when paired the male and female court with each other, releasing both their eggs and sperm into the water.

The fry hatches after being spread out across the aquarium floor. They have been known to breed in large ponds.

Click here for a lot more about breeding various tropical fish in aquariums.

Popularity: These fish are somewhat popular in the hobby, due to their size.

Names: The scientific name for Gar is Ctenolucius hujeta.

Variations: There are some variations of the Gar in South America.

Click here for a lot more information about keeping and caring for Wild Fish, including a picture gallery.

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